Gloves don’t need to be used for most routine healthcare interactions with certain exceptions. Unnecessary use of gloves is common, leads to increased costs, generates waste and may inadvertently increase rates of cross-contamination. A study in the Netherlands found that >100 disposable gloves were used in the ICU per patient per day contributing to the highest carbon footprint compared to other commonly used products.
Sources:
Canada’s Drug and Health Technology Agency (2023). CADTH Health Technology Review: Non-sterile glove use.
Hunfeld N, Diehl JC, Timmermann M, van Exter P, Bouwens J, Browne-Wilkinson S, et al. Circular material flow in the intensive care unit—environmental effects and identification of hotspots. Intensive Care Medicine. 2023;49(1):65-74. PMID: 36480046.
Loveday HP, Lynam S, Singleton J, Wilson J. Clinical glove use: healthcare workers’ actions and perceptions. J Hosp Infect. 2014 Feb;86(2):110-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2013.11.003. Epub 2013 Nov 28. PMID: 24412643.
World Health Organization (2009). Glove use information leaflet.