and odd it felt to wear single gloves at the start of your training. "It's
the same thing with double gloving — you just have to get used to it."
It takes around 2 weeks to grow accustomed to double gloving,
according to Ms. Ogg. But however long it takes, the adjustment hap-
pens. "Go back to that time that you learned to do things with a pair
of gloves on," she says. "I think you can do the same thing with dou-
ble gloves."
Compliance with double gloving tends to be higher in orthopedics
— which exposes the OR staff to more sharps than most specialties
— so tap into surgeons, nurses and techs on ortho teams as a
resource for promoting the use and benefit of wearing a second layer
of protection.
4. Assess the feel and function
It's crucial to find gloves you're comfortable wearing. Be aware that
the size you prefer might change when you slip on gloves made from
different manufacturers. Ms. Ogg notes that glove companies are
generally willing to set up and run a trial in your facility so staff and
surgeons can try on different models in order to find the right fit.
Some surgical team members wear outer and inner gloves of the
same size, some opt for a half-size larger inner glove and some wear a
half-size larger outer glove. "It's about finding that combo that works
best for you," says Ms. Ogg. "Once you get used to the correct feel,
you won't feel right without it."
Double gloving systems are also being designed to form to wearers'
hands in a more ergonomic way and with high levels of tactile sensi-
tivity and dexterity. The right fit for your facility also includes finding
the right price. Doubling the number of gloves your staff and surgeons
wear can be expensive, but manufactures are offering a variety of pre-
made double glove systems, including ones that let you slide on both
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