Winner: Environmental Sustainability Award
Gloves Off! aimed to minimise unnecessary use of non-sterile gloves (NSG) through a targeted hand hygiene education program.
A study was done at two acute surgical John Hunter Hospital wards and included nurses, doctors and allied health professionals.
The staff were given an education package which included:
After the program, unnecessary NSG use reduced from 60% to 23%. Hand hygiene compliance improved from 59% to 83%. NSG purchase numbers reduced by 21% while activity in wards was stable.
The Gloves Off! program improved staff knowledge, attitudes and behaviour. It also reduced glove use, which saved money, reduced waste and minimised carbon footprint while also improving patient care.
Meet the other finalists for the Environmental Sustainability Award.
