Gloves and hand hygiene: plan for both

Start with the task, not the box

A glove order starts with a conversation about the work. Ask the person responsible for infection prevention which tasks require gloves, which product specifications apply and which sizes the team needs. A single purchasing description should not stand in for a clinical assessment.

CDC recommends selecting PPE according to the anticipated exposure. In healthcare, gloves are used when contact with blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, non-intact skin or contaminated equipment is anticipated. Additional precautions may apply.

Reference: CDC: Core infection prevention practices in healthcare

Make the change between tasks possible

CDC states that gloves do not replace hand hygiene. Clean hands before putting on gloves when the task requires them, and after removing them. Change gloves between patients and when moving from a soiled body site to a clean one; damaged or contaminated gloves also need changing.

Consider the route a team member takes through a shift. Are the required sizes available where work happens? Is there a place to discard used gloves? Are hand-hygiene supplies accessible at the transition between tasks? These are useful questions for a walk-through with clinical staff.

Reference: CDC: Clinical safety and hand hygiene

A purchasing discussion worth having

Build a short specification with the care team, then compare the exact manufacturer information for each proposed product. Keep any substitution review with the person responsible for the clinical task.

• Document intended use, sizes and material preferences or sensitivities.
• Ask for manufacturer instructions and relevant product documentation before selection.
• Review glove quantities alongside soap, hand rub and drying supplies.
• Confirm pack sizes and replenishment needs with the people who use them.