Understanding the evidence for protective surgical glove use and hand health is a critical role for perioperative professionals. Advancing awareness through product selection, policy development, and practice ensures perioperative staff are protected from occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens as well as from latex allergies, dermatitis, and other harms that can pose risks to hands if not addressed correctly. This continuing education program will present a brief overview of harms associated with incorrect surgical glove use and hand hygiene. An overview of the trends in best practice for optimal surgical glove use will be discussed as well as the requirements and evidence-based practices that support these practice trends. Key activities perioperative nurses and other professionals should engage in to promote correct surgical glove use and hand health will also be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
Discuss harms associated with surgical glove failures and poor hand health
Describe trends in best practices relating to surgical gloving
Discuss regulatory guidelines, professional association recommendations, and relevant research related to safe surgical glove use and hand health
Identify product selection criteria perioperative nurses should advocate for surgical glove selection to provide protection while promoting hand health
