Subsidize consumers or service firm? The design of a government subsidy policy for an older adult care service supply chain.

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) represent one of the major challenges to patient safety worldwide and continue to impose a substantial burden on healthcare systems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hundreds of millions of patients acquire an HAI each year. Incidence rates are up to three times higher in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where infection prevention and control (IPC) infrastructure and implementation remains heterogeneous and often insufficient []. HAIs are associated with a significant increase in morbidity, mortality, length of hospital stay, and healthcare costs, resulting in a substantial financial burden [, ]. In 2016, between 7.2 and 14.9 billion US dollars were spent on HAIs in the United States, thereby compromising overall quality of care and patient trust []. Infection prevention and control therefore constitutes a central pillar of patient safety and healthcare quality. Its effectiveness relies on the adherence of all healthcare personnel to standard precautions, including hand hygiene, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, waste management, compliance with additional precautions, and epidemiological surveillance []. Several studies have shown that the performance of IPC programs is closely linked to the level of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of healthcare professionals, as well as students and interns who represent the future hospital workforce [, ]. Students in the health sciences occupy a key position in the prevention of HAIs. From their first clinical placements, they are exposed to infectious risks and required to engage with various IPC practices []. Consequently, their preparedness regarding IPC measures may influence both their own safety and the quality of care delivered during clinical placements. Insufficient knowledge, limited awareness of infectious risks, or unfavorable attitudes toward preventive measures may contribute to inadequate implementation of IPC practices in healthcare settings [].