[Glove Disinfection: Knowledge, Experiences and Attitudes of Hygiene Team Members and Company Physicians].

BACKGROUND: Chemical-resistant single-use gloves allow the practice of glove disinfection. However, there are different recommendations for their use.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a standardized survey during an infection control meeting and an occupational health symposium in order to gain data on knowledge, experiences and attitudes of hygiene team members and occupational health physicians in hospitals with regard to glove disinfection by group comparison.

RESULTS: 558 out of 1000 questionnaires were returned, among them 246 (44.1%) from infection control practitioners, 63 (11.3%) from link-nurses, 39 (7.0%) from hospital epidemiologists, 97 (17.4%) from link-physicians, and 46 (8.2%) from occupational health physicians. The remaining 67 participants worked in multiple other areas. 75% of infection control professionals, 35% of occupational health physicians and 25% of nurses and physicians were contacted regarding glove disinfection within the last 12 months. In many institutions, glove disinfection is not allowed; 67% of respondents voted against it. Large deficits regarding disposable gloves were reported.

CONCLUSION: The topic of glove disinfection is primarily an issue for the infection control team. However, a close cooperation with occupational health physicians is warranted but is not practiced. There is relevant uncertainty regarding the presupposition of disinfectable gloves and the practical utilization of glove disinfection.