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Public perceptions of the use of gloves by healthcare workers and comparison with perceptions of student nurses

Introduction: There is evidence that non-sterile clinical gloves (NSCG) are over-used by healthcare workers (HCWs) and are associated with cross-contamination. This study aimed to determine attitudes of student nurses and members of the public to the use of NSCG. Methods: Third-year student nurses completed a questionnaire indicating tasks for which they would wear NSCG and influences on their decision. Correlations between tasks were identified using exploratory factor analysis. An online survey of the public was conducted using snowball sampling method. Results: Sixty-seven students completed the questionnaire; they indicated use of NSCG for low-risk tasks and reported their own judgement as the main influence on their decision to wear them. Correlated tasks included ‘perceived to be risky’ or ‘definitive indication for gloves/no gloves’ and ‘related to personal hygiene’. A total of 142 respondents completed the public survey. They reported being uncomfortable with HCW wearing gloves for some personal tasks, e.g. assisting to toilet and dressing, but 94% preferred their use for washing ‘private parts’; 29% had observed inappropriate glove use by HCWs during recent contact with healthcare. Conclusion: Student nurses reported using NSCG routinely for tasks for which they are neither required nor recommended. The public observe inappropriate glove use and are uncomfortable with their use for some personal tasks.