O C T O B E R 2 0 1 7 O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y . N E T 5 3
D
ouble-
gloving
limits
the like-
lihood
that sharps will breach
both layers and break
skin, and wearing differ-
ent-colored gloves makes
it easier to notice when
the outer layer has been
pierced. But some sur-
geons still refuse to double down on
reducing the risk of cross-contamination. You've likely heard some or all of
these objections from docs who prefer to work with a single, thin layer between
themselves and patients:
• "Double-gloving is a waste of time, money and resources."
• "It's more important and cost-effective to teach providers and staff how to
safely pass, dispose of and clean sharp instruments."
• "Why should we double-glove? Show me evidence that it reduces infection
risks."
If you've run up against the counter-arguments, you know that resistance is
most likely to center on 3 primary concerns: sensitivity, dexterity and comfort.
Experts agree that some disciplines — those that demand extraordinary tactile
sensitivity, such as ophthalmology and neurology — may warrant exceptions to
recommended double-gloving policies. But organizations such as the American
Two Gloves Are Better Than One
Double-gloving can be a hard sell,
but there are plenty of reasons to make it mandatory.
Jim Burger | Senior Editor
GLOVE STORY Studies suggest that double-gloving can improve
safety without impeding dexterity or fine motor skills.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR
