What is the priority intervention to prevent the spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms?

The priority intervention to prevent the spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms is hand washing. Proper hand hygiene is crucial in controlling infections because hands are often the most significant mode of transmission for pathogens in healthcare settings. This basic yet vital practice effectively removes dirt, organic material, and pathogens from the skin, reducing the risk of spreading MDR organisms among patients, healthcare providers, and the environment.

While diagnostic cultures are important for identifying the specific organisms and guiding treatment, they do not actively prevent transmission. Isolation precautions contribute to controlling the spread but are secondary to the foundational practice of hand hygiene that everyone can implement consistently. Antibiotic administration, though vital in treating infections, does not address the prevention of transmission and can even contribute to the development of resistance if used improperly. Thus, hand washing stands out as the primary intervention in preventing the spread of these infections in healthcare settings.