What is the main goal of a written infection control policy?

The primary goal of a written infection control policy is to identify and limit members' exposure to communicable or infectious disease. This focus is crucial in protecting the health and safety of individuals within any organization. Such policies are designed to implement preventive measures that effectively mitigate the risk of transmission of infections, especially in environments where individuals may come into close contact, such as healthcare settings or other group facilities.

Having a structured policy ensures that procedures are in place to recognize potential hazards, implement control measures, and promote best practices among staff and members. The ultimate aim is to reduce the incidence of infections and safeguard the well-being of all individuals involved, thus maintaining a healthy environment.

While equipment sterilization, training mandates, and isolation protocols can be important components of an infection control program, they are part of the broader strategy to limit exposure to infections, rather than the overarching goal itself. The essence of infection control lies in preventing and managing health risks associated with infectious diseases, making the identification and limitation of exposure the central tenet of such policies.