Hospital workers still at risk of infection despite gloves and gowns

A new study found that even with protection from gowns and gloves, hospital workers have a nearly 50% chance of getting contaminated with bacteria. Published this week in JAMA Internal Medicine, the study led by Myreen Tomas of the Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center asked hospital workers to remove gowns and gloves covered with fake bacteria. The bacteria was found on their skin or clothes 46% of the time.

Researchers conducted 435 glove and gown simulations using fluorescent lotion to simulate bacteria. To combat the risk of contamination, the researchers recommend educational interventions that include practice with immediate visual feedback.

Read the study abstract.