Work

Higher Intensity Quality Improvement Campaign Yields Greater Reduction in Medical Glove Use: The “Gloves Off!” Campaign

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The healthcare sector contributes 5.4-7.0% of Australia's total carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Among the most ubiquitous items used in healthcare organisations, whether it be hospital, clinic, or community health centres, are gloves. METHODS: We reviewed two case studies of the "Gloves Off!" sustainability initiative to compare reduction in glove use and improvement in hand hygiene practice-one that featured a "low-intensity" campaign (Hospital A) and the other a "high-intensity" campaign (Hospital B). RESULTS: A comparison of glove use over the year before and after implementation of the Gloves Off! campaign shows that Hospital A achieved a 2.6% reduction (0.4% reduction per patient), while Hospital B achieved an 11.4% reduction in total glove consumption (7.8% reduction in glove use per patient). CONCLUSION: Sustainability initiatives can be initiated within busy emergency departments with reduced unnecessary use of nonsterile gloves, decreased CO2 emissions, and cost savings.

Source: Western Journal of Emergency Medicine

DOI: 10.5811/westjem.56980

Authors: Lai Heng Foong, Matthew Knox, Arunima Malik, Wendy Hird

Institutions: The University of Sydney, Bankstown Lidcombe Hospital, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Central Coast Local Health District

Language: English

Topic: Infection Control in Healthcare

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Good health and well-being, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $500