# Infection prevention and control in healthcare environments - Savonia AMK > IPC in healthcare uses hand hygiene, PPE, cleaning, safe practices, and training to prevent infections. ## Introduction Every day, patients come to healthcare facilities to get better. However, without proper infection control, they could catch illnesses that could have been prevented. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a serious risk in clinical settings. They can happen when proper precautions are not taken during patient care (World Health Organisation, 2024). This article is for healthcare students and those starting their careers. It explains important infection prevention and control (IPC) practices and shows why they matter in reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), with examples from Finland and global standards. ## The Impact of Healthcare-Associated Infections Preventing and controlling infections is essential for keeping both patients and staff safe. Healthcare-associated infections remain a major problem worldwide. They lead to more illness, longer hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs. The World Health Organisation notes that HAIs happen everywhere and put a heavy strain on health systems and patients (World Health Organisation, 2024; CDC, 2026). Healthcare-associated infections are infections that patients can get during medical care. Examples are bloodstream, surgical site, and respiratory infections. These often occur due to invasive procedures, weakened immune systems, or poor hygiene (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025). Finnish research shows these infections are still a serious problem in intensive care units, causing higher death rates and more strain on healthcare (Terho et al., 2025). Taking clear steps can reduce these infections, and hand hygiene is one of the most important (World Health Organisation, 2024). ## Hand Hygiene Hand hygiene is the best way to stop infections from spreading. Healthcare workers should clean their hands before and after seeing each patient, after contact with body fluids, and after touching any contaminated surface. Alcohol-based hand rubs are popular because they are effective and easy to use, but soap and water are still needed if hands look dirty (World Health Organisation, 2020). In Finland, hand hygiene is closely watched, and staff get regular training to help them follow the rules (FinnHealth, 2024). ## Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Personal protective equipment, like eye protection, gowns, gloves, and masks, helps protect healthcare workers from infections. It is important to choose the right equipment and use it correctly. For example, gloves should be changed between patients, and masks should be worn if there is a risk of airborne infection (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025). Finnish guidelines also highlight the correct use of protective equipment and keeping safe distances to help stop infections from spreading (Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, 2021). ## Environmental Cleaning Germs that cause infections can be found in the healthcare environment. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces, equipment, and patient areas helps reduce the number of germs. Surfaces that are frequently touched, such as bed rails, doorknobs, and medical devices, require extra care. Using the right disinfectants and following the recommended times make cleaning more effective (World Health Organisation, 2020). In Finland, infection control teams set and check hygiene standards in healthcare facilities to keep everyone safe (HUS Infection Control Unit, 2025). ## Safe Clinical Practices Unsafe injection practices and not disposing of medical waste properly can spread infections. Needles and syringes intended for single use should never be reused, and sharps must be placed in special containers immediately after use (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, 2025). In Finland, healthcare systems also focus on sorting waste correctly and keeping the environment safe as part of their infection prevention plans (FinnHealth, 2024). ## Education and Training Ongoing education and training are key to preventing infections (Terho et al., 2025). Healthcare workers need to stay up to date with new guidelines and best practices. Training sessions, workshops, and regular checks help make sure everyone follows the right steps. In Finland, infection control nurses play an important role in training staff, checking hygiene standards, and giving advice on infection prevention (Wellbeing Services County of Southwest Finland, 2025). ## Conclusion Everyone working in healthcare is responsible for preventing infections. When organisations focus on safety, accountability, and ongoing learning, they protect patients, reduce healthcare costs, and make the workplace safer. Maintaining these practices is important for managing current and emerging infection risks and for building a safer, healthier future. Nursing students, as future professionals, play a key role and should participate in infection prevention every day (World Health Organisation, 2024). ## Contact Information * **Writer:** Ngwa Glen Mfombe, nursing student, Email: s2416822@edu.savonia.fi * **Supervisor:** Leena Koponen, Senior Lecturer, leena.koponen@savonia.fi * **Department:** International Unit of Health Care, International Degree Programmes, Unit of International Affairs ## References * Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2025). Infection Control Basics. Updated 12.06.2025. * Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2026). Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Updated 29.01.2026. * European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. (2023). Infection prevention and control and preparedness for COVID-19 in healthcare settings. Updated 2026. * FinnHealth. (2021). Infection Prevention and Control. Updated 2021. * Finnish Institute of Occupational Health. (2021). Guidelines for Workers to Prevent Coronavirus Infection. Updated 24.01.2021. * HUS Infection Control Unit. (2025). Infection Control Services and Guidelines. Updated 2026. * Terho, K., Löyttyniemi, E., Rintala, E., and Salanterä, S. (2025). Infection prevention knowledge and perceptions in Finnish intensive care units. Updated June 2025. PLOS One. * Wellbeing Services County of Southwest Finland. (2025). Infection Prevention Services. Updated 05.09.2025. * World Health Organisation. (2020). Guidelines on Core Components of Infection Prevention and Control Programmes. Updated 2026. * World Health Organisation. (2024). Infection prevention and control. Hand hygiene. Updated 2026.