We have fielded several questions related to employee and visitor glove-use as an additional safety measure (for circumstances other than patient care delivery). Employees should adhere to policy surrounding standard precaution and the need to decrease infection. Widespread glove-use (without changing between encounters) is a known facilitator of cross-contamination of surfaces, leading to infections.
For situations where visitors are reluctant to refrain from glove use, we can work to educate on safety components and risk associated to our patients, employees and communities. If by some chance a visitor chooses to escalate, as always, security is available per policy to support as needed.
Please note, when individuals wear gloves for extended timeframes, the individual will transfer the “germ load” from the first touch site to a second site…this is cross-contamination and can spread infections. Wearing gloves can also foster cross-contamination if you touch your face or scratch your nose after touching other surfaces.
The CDC recommends frequent hand washing for 20 seconds with soap and water or use of at least 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer as the most effective method for preventing spread of infections. As a reminder, glove use should be incorporated following standard precautions and infection control policy, limited to patient care delivery, or clean up processes. We thank you in advance for your assistance in keeping our employees, patients and community safe!