Researchers combed through dozens of studies on infection control and patient safety to compile the article.
“Glove misuse and inadequate hand hygiene are commonplace in healthcare settings. It is a complex issue and has been linked to multiple factors,” they wrote.
Three key notes:
- Frequent media coverage regarding staff shortages and limited personal protective equipment may have led clinicians’ fear about contracting COVID-19 to dominate decision-making process around glove use and its appropriateness.
- Inappropriate glove-wearing has been found to increase cross-contamination risks due to “missed moments” of overall hand hygiene.
- Numerous studies have concluded that clinicians’ hands are the most common method of carrying microorganisms.