Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) Practice Exam 2026 - Free CBIC Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary purpose of infection prevention and control programs is to prevent the transmission of infectious agents in healthcare settings. These programs are essential in ensuring the safety of both patients and healthcare workers by implementing strategies and practices designed to minimize the risk of infections, which can arise from various sources including medical procedures, invasive devices, and cross-contamination between patients.

Infection prevention and control efforts encompass a wide range of activities such as proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), sterilization of medical instruments, and educating staff and patients about infection risks and preventive measures. By focusing on preventing the spread of infections, these programs contribute significantly to better patient outcomes, reduced morbidity and mortality rates associated with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), and overall enhanced public health.

Although aspects like improving patient satisfaction, managing healthcare costs, and streamlining processes can be influenced by effective infection control practices, they are secondary to the fundamental goal of preventing infection transmission. Without a strong foundation in infection prevention and control, other elements of patient care and healthcare management may not yield the desired results.