Ms Flora Feng1, Dr Tamara Power1, Dr Susan Jain2,3, Dr Gemma Saravanos1,4
1Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Level 8, D18 Susan Wakil Health Building, Camperdown, Australia, 2Clinical Excellence Commission, Locked Bag 2030, St Leonards, Australia, 3University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia, 4Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Level 5, Block K, Westmead, Australia
Biography:
Flora Feng is a Registered Nurse at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital's Infectious Diseases ward, a Bachelor of Nursing Honours student at the University of Sydney, and president of the University's student-run 'Waste Fighters Society'. Flora is also leading quality-improvement projects in her workplace driven by interests in IPC and sustainability.
Abstract:
Introduction
Healthcare is responsible for 4.2% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The inappropriate use of non-sterile gloves contributes to healthcare’s environmental impact. Guidelines suggest gloves are not routinely required for injections however may still be used in practice. This scoping review aims to describe the practices and attitudes of nurses and midwives regarding non-sterile glove use during intramuscular and subcutaneous injections, and to identify behavioural drivers influencing practice.
Methods
Joanna Briggs Institute Scoping Review guidelines and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews were followed. Bibliographic databases, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and grey literature were searched. Data extracted included evidence type, setting and location, glove-use practices and attitudes, and related information on hand hygiene, risk assessment, sharps safety, and sustainability. Findings were synthesised using a narrative approach and mapped to the Capability–Opportunity–Motivation–Behaviour (COM-B) framework.
Results
A total of thirty-one articles were eligible. These included primary research, clinical guidelines, educational resources and editorials. Primary research demonstrated substantial practice variation. Evidence related to attitudes was limited. Most guidelines stated gloves were not routinely required for injections, while educational resources presented mixed messages regarding best practice. Key behavioural drivers included understanding of infection prevention principles, social and professional contexts, and perceived safety.
Conclusions
Practice variation may arise from misalignment between guidelines and education alongside varied professional attitudes and local practice culture. Understanding context specific behavioural drivers can inform development of clear and consistent resources to support sustainable and safe glove use for injections.