Current State of and Issues in Research Related to the Use of Gloves for Protection against Infection:

1994-2008

Abstract

An investigation of research literature published in the 15 years spanning 1994 to 2008 was conducted for the purpose of clarifying issues surrounding the promotion of the wearing of gloves as a protective measure against infection in medical workplaces.
The search resulted in 870 articles over the 15-year period. In terms of numerical output of research literature, there was a steady pattern of 15-21 publications per annum in the period from 1994 to 1999, increasing dramatically from 2000. The main content was research related to "allergies" caused by wearing gloves, accounting for 181 items (20.8%), followed by 168 items (19.3%) concerning "how to use gloves". In terms of shifts in focus, the increase in "current situation of use" stoodout with a maximum 44 items in 2008, followed by 23 items for "education". From now on, the present situation needs to be used as a base for interventional research aimed at promoting the wearing of gloves. Additionally, studies examining infection (needle-stick incidents, MRSA etc.) caused by not wearing gloves and cost studies related to such infection are important as research evaluating the economic impact of glove-wearing as protection against infection.