I was pleased to see this metanalysis and literature review on universal gloving (UG) for inpatient care recently published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. Kudos to the authors. The abstract is available here.We are honored that our two previous publications on universal gloving were included in the analysis.
Universal gloving may have a small protective impact on hospital-acquired infections.
We have always felt that UG should be an adjunct to a horizontal infection prevention strategy. Of course, hand hygiene practice must not be negatively impacted by the use of UG.
Although not a mandate at VCU, I perform UG prior to all physical examinations. It is both simple and easy.
