The jury's been in on double-gloving for quite some time now. Wearing two layers 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 getting 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 approximately $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 sustained with accountability.