Which statement best describes a compliance audit in infection prevention?

• A. It measures adherence to infection prevention protocols
• B. It analyzes patient outcomes
• C. It tracks staff morale
• D. It audits financial performance

Answer: (A)

Measuring adherence to infection prevention protocols is what a compliance audit does. It involves checking whether staff consistently follow established procedures such as hand hygiene, proper use of PPE, cleaning and disinfection, sterilization, and isolation precautions. The goal is to compare actual practice with the defined standards, identify gaps, and drive corrective actions to reduce infection risk. This focuses on how practices are carried out, not on patient outcomes, staff morale, or financial performance, which are outside the scope of a compliance audit.