| Author: | Lai, Yuen-fun Joanna |
| Title: | A comparison between hand contamination rates and the levels of environmental contamination when using different methods of removing gloves in two different distances |
| Degree: | M.Sc. |
| Year: | 2010 |
| Subject: | Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations Disinfection and disinfectants Microbial contamination -- Prevention |
| Department: | Faculty of Health and Social Sciences |
| Pages: | xiii, 84 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 30 cm. |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | Background: Gloves are necessary to use for contact precaution to prevent transmitted infectious bacteria, viruses and microorganisms, which spread by direct or indirect contact with an infected person or contaminated environment. Bacteria and viruses can be passed on to a healthcare worker's (HCW) hands through contaminated gloves or by contamination of hands during glove removal. Hence, there might be a chance of contamination and inducing the potential risk of getting infected by hand contact of healthcare workers (HCWs) or their working environment. The study was aimed at investigating the hand contamination rates and the levels of environmental contamination when using different methods of removing gloves in two different distances. Aim: This study focuses on the hand contamination rates and the levels of environment contamination when using different methods of removing gloves in two different distances. Method: In the present experimental study, Fluorescent solution was employed as the simulated contaminant of pathogens. Fifty participants performed a personal or causal doffing glove method and a CDC removal gloves method after Fluorescent solution was added onto their gloved hands. The researcher investigated and recorded the hand contamination rates and the levels of environmental contamination via two doffing gloves methods at the distances of 2 feet and 3 feet (customary distances used by HCWs). Results: Experimental results showed that the average of small patches of Fluorescent stain in the front of doffing gloves was significantly lower in post-test than pre-test. Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between 2 feet and 3 feet data on the front white cloth. And doffing glove methods significantly influenced the contamination on the front of the white cloth. There was also a significant difference in the pre-test (personal or causal doffing glove method) in the 2 feet gown area in different ranks of staff. The Healthcare Assistants (HCA) staff had a significantly higher level of contamination than the Registered Nurses (RN) and Enrolled Nurses (EN) as well as Temporary Undergraduate Nursing Students (TUNS). However, there was no significant difference in various forms of contamination among different ranking of the staff in the post-test (CDC removal gloves method), which implicated that the CDC removal gloves method significantly improved the rate of contamination of the HCA staff. Discussion: The results showed that more contamination was spread on the front wall than the left or right side of the HCW when taking off gloves. HCWs should take more precautions when removing their gloves in front of a patient, HCW or a sterilized area. This research study could be used to understand the infection control measures in order to develop better practice and also enhance to focus on environmental cleaning. This experience results are useful for both isolation settings and general clinical places. Even if the ward fixtures placing in different way and most HCWs doffing gloves at different location generally, the chance of environment contamination should be happened whatever the numbers or height levels of the furniture placed at the clinical areas within 3 feet distance. Conclusion: The results showed that more contamination was spread on the front wall than the left or right side of the HCW when taking off gloves. HCWs should take more precautions when removing their gloves in front of a patient, HCW or a sterilized area. All gloves removing procedures should not be done in front of patients or other HCWs and clean areas. The research study implicated the importance of doffing gloves procedure and the location of where HCWs stand on a daily basis. Sufficient supervision, and spacing of doff gloves procedure, as well as glove removal method as recommended by CDC should be strictly adhered to. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b23568264.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 3.16 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
Copyright Undertaking
As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:
- I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
- I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
- I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.
By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/5674