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Association between universal gloving and healthcare-associated infections: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Association between universal gloving and healthcare-associated infections: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Nai-Chung N Chang, Ashley E Kates, Melissa A Ward, Elizabeth J Kiscaden, Heather Schacht Reisinger, Eli N Perencevich, Marin L Schweizer and CDC Prevention Epicenters Program
Infection control and hospital epidemiology, Vol.40(7), pp.755-760
07/2019
DOI: 10.1017/ice.2019.123
PMID: 31099327
url
https://doi.org/10.1017/ice.2019.123View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a significant burden on healthcare facilities. Universal gloving is a horizontal intervention to prevent transmission of pathogens that cause HAI. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to identify whether implementation of universal gloving is associated with decreased incidence of HAI in clinical settings. A systematic literature search was conducted to find all relevant publications using search terms for universal gloving and HAIs. Pooled incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random effects models. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the Woolf test and the I2 test. In total, 8 studies were included. These studies were moderately to substantially heterogeneous (I2 = 59%) and had varied results. Stratified analyses showed a nonsignificant association between universal gloving and incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA; pooled IRR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.79-1.11) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE; pooled IRR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.69-1.28). Studies that implemented universal gloving alone showed a significant association with decreased incidence of HAI (IRR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.67-0.89), but studies implementing universal gloving as part of intervention bundles showed no significant association with incidence of HAI (IRR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.86-1.05). Universal gloving may be associated with a small protective effect against HAI. Despite limited data, universal gloving may be considered in high-risk settings, such as pediatric intensive care units. Further research should be performed to determine the effects of universal gloving on a broader range of pathogens, including gram-negative pathogens.
Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci Cross Infection - prevention & control Humans Intensive Care Units, Pediatric Infection Control - methods Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections - epidemiology Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic Gloves, Protective - statistics & numerical data Staphylococcal Infections - epidemiology Staphylococcal Infections - prevention & control Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections - prevention & control Cross Infection - epidemiology

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