Disposable non-sterile gloves: a policy for appropriate usage

Since the implementation of universal precautions, the use of disposable gloves has become part of everyday clinical practice. Guidance has been published to advise healthcare workers of the risks of latex allergies associated with the wearing of powdered latex gloves. The literature supports the us...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing) 2001-09, Vol.10 (17), p.1135-1141
Main Author: Raybould, Linda M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Clinical Audit
Disposable Equipment
Gloves, Surgical - utilization
Guideline Adherence
Humans
Nursing
Personnel, Hospital - statistics & numerical data
Universal Precautions
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Summary:Since the implementation of universal precautions, the use of disposable gloves has become part of everyday clinical practice. Guidance has been published to advise healthcare workers of the risks of latex allergies associated with the wearing of powdered latex gloves. The literature supports the use of gloves when contact with blood or body fluids is likely. However, an audit of glove usage indicated that practitioners were wearing gloves inappropriately, i.e. to wash patients (20%). The results of this study also demonstrated that a small percentage of staff (20%) were wearing vinyl gloves to deal with blood spillages and for venepuncture (13%) and cannulation (10%). A glove policy and a flow chart to assist staff in the selection of gloves were introduced. An educational programme for all hospital staff was commenced. These measures can assist healthcare workers in making an informed choice regarding glove usage.
ISSN:0966-0461
2052-2819
DOI:10.12968/bjon.2001.10.17.9953