What is the most important action a DCW can take to prevent the spread of disease?

Washing hands is the most important action a Direct Care Worker (DCW) can take to prevent the spread of disease because hand hygiene is a fundamental practice in infection control. Proper handwashing removes dirt, bacteria, and viruses from the hands, significantly reducing the likelihood of transmitting infectious agents to clients, oneself, and other staff members.

While wearing a mask is a valuable protective measure, it primarily safeguards against respiratory droplets and does not substitute for regular hand hygiene. Using hand sanitizer is effective but only when soap and water are not available; it does not remove all types of germs, especially when hands are visibly dirty or greasy. Avoiding contact with clients does not promote quality care and does not address the essential need for rigorous hygiene practices. Therefore, the consistent and thorough practice of handwashing remains the cornerstone of preventing disease transmission in healthcare settings.