Hand Hygiene Program: Glove Use

Course overview

Over the last several decades there has been an increasing amount of attention on health care-associated infections (HCAI) and the role hand hygiene plays. HCAIs refer to infections acquired in the setting where a person receives healthcare. This applies to not only hospitals, but includes long-term care, home care, and ambulatory care settings, to name a few. These infections contribute to various health complications, longer or unanticipated hospital stays, and an increase in health care costs. Healthcare staff and front-line workers play a vital role in protecting their patients and residents from infection. One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of infection and protect the very ones we care for is proper hand hygiene. And hand hygiene should not stop with hand washing, education for staff should include glove use.