Quick and dirty: improper glove use increases infection risk and has global consequences

The development of disposable gloves and the discovery that good hand hygiene are essential for protecting patients are among the most important developments in the history of infection prevention and control, and are both essential for protecting patients and healthcare workers. Although there are international-level guidelines for glove use and hand hygiene during patient care, there are major issues concerning compliance. The overuse of gloving does not only contribute to reduced patient safety and increased healthcare-associated infections, but leads directly to environmental degradation and labor rights abuses.