What is the purpose of infection control audits in healthcare?

• A. To evaluate staff salaries and promotions
• B. To monitor and improve adherence to infection prevention measures
• C. To assess hospital architectural design
• D. To increase patient admission numbers

Answer: (B)

Infection control audits focus on measuring how well infection prevention practices are being followed and using that information to improve patient safety. They compare actual practices to established standards, often through direct observation, chart reviews, or checks of sterilization, cleaning, and isolation procedures. The aim is to uncover gaps, variations, or lapses in processes like hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, environmental cleaning, and adherence to isolation protocols. By collecting data over time and giving feedback to care teams, audits guide targeted improvements, training, and protocol updates, and they track whether changes actually reduce infection risks. This purpose is about ensuring adherence to infection prevention measures, not about salaries, building design, or increasing admissions.