T
he jury's been in on double-gloving for
quite some time now. Wearing two lay-
ers of protection is an easy, cost-saving
and low-tech way to reduce risks of
cross-contamination and sharps injuries.
Plus, the latest double-gloving systems are designed
with sensitivity, dexterity and comfort in mind.
Many facilities, however, have difficulties get-
ting an otherwise engaged staff to comply with
double-gloving practices. That hasn't been the
case at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown,
N.Y., where the compliance rate reached nearly
100% and needlestick injuries were reduced by
one-third a year after staff began a transition to
double-gloving. The facility also saved approxi-
mately $40,000 on glove purchases by buying
one model instead of several. Efforts to achieve
these positive results began with awareness,
advanced with acceptance and have been sus-
tained with accountability.
Understanding the importance
Educating staff about the effectiveness of double-
gloving was important on several fronts, according
to Rachel Nolan, RN, BSN, CNOR, Bassett's periop-
erative quality and safety nurse. The facility's lead-
ership had significant concerns about occupational
safety hazards from needlesticks and other sharps
injuries, as well as seroconversion after blood con-
tamination. Obviously, the potential for patients
becoming exposed to infectious fluids through
glove punctures was also worrisome.
"Provide plenty of details about why double-
gloving is considered an evidence-based best
M A R C H 2 0 2 1 • O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y . N E T • 3
5
Increase Double-Gloving Compliance
Raising awareness of its importance and empowering
staff to own the change will create a lasting culture shift.
NICK OF TIME A colored underglove makes it easier to notice even the tiniest perforations in the outer layer.
Pamela
Bevelhymer
Adam Taylor | Senior Associate Editor
