What is the recommendation for the frequency of changing gloves between patients?

The recommendation for changing gloves between patients is to do so after every patient. This practice is crucial for maintaining proper infection control and preventing cross-contamination. By changing gloves between each patient, health care providers minimize the risk of transmitting pathogens that may be present on the gloves after interacting with one patient, which could otherwise be passed on to the next patient.

This protocol is fundamental in healthcare settings, particularly in environments where there is a high risk of infection, such as hospitals or clinics. It emphasizes the importance of hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment, such as gloves, as part of standard precautions to ensure patient safety and reduce the spread of infections.

Other recommendations, such as changing gloves only when they become visibly soiled or at the beginning of each shift, do not provide adequate protection and can lead to increased risk of healthcare-associated infections. Therefore, the practice of changing gloves after every patient is the most effective method to protect both patients and healthcare workers alike.