The observational study was performed in a large and likely representative sample of British hospitals. The investigators observed hand hygiene and glove usage (7,578 moments for hand hygiene) during 249 one-hour sessions. Gloves were used in only 26% of the 7,578 moments for hand hygiene and in17% of 3,292 low-risk contacts; gloves were not used in 21% of 669 high-risk contacts.
The rate of hand hygiene compliance with glove use was low 41% and the rate without glove use was 50.0%. After statistically adjustment, glove use was strongly associated with lower levels of hand hygiene (adjusted odds ratio, 0.65 [95% confidence interval, 0.54-0.79]
Hand hygiene is low, gloves are not worn when indicated and glove use is associated with a decrease in hand hygiene.
We observed a similar hand hygiene reduction during a universal gloving study that we published several years ago.
We need a better understanding of what motivates healthcare workers to wash their hands before and after glove use.
