Which practice is least effective for infection prevention according to recent evidence?

The practice of restricting fresh fruits and vegetables is considered least effective for infection prevention based on recent evidence. This is primarily because the consumption of fresh produce can enhance the nutritional status of patients, which is vital for maintaining a robust immune system, particularly in those undergoing treatment such as chemotherapy that may compromise immunity. While there are some concerns about the risk of foodborne illnesses, the benefits of fruit and vegetable intake generally outweigh these risks when proper food-handling practices are followed.

In contrast, adherence to general infection control recommendations, antibiotic prophylaxis in at-risk patients, and hand hygiene with alcohol sanitizer have robust evidence supporting their effectiveness in reducing the incidence of infections. These practices collectively contribute significantly to creating a safer healthcare environment, protecting vulnerable populations, and minimizing the risk of healthcare-associated infections. Thus, compared to these important measures, the restriction of fresh fruits and vegetables does not provide the same level of preventative benefit.