The purpose of using surgical gloves is to create a protective barrier against blood-borne
pathogens. According to studies, gloves can puncture during surgical procedures. Many studies
recommend wearing double gloves. However, the World Health Organization reported that in the
guideline for surgical site infections published in 2018, there is not enough evidence for
wearing double or single gloves to prevent surgical site infections. However, he recommends
that the surgical team prefer to use double gloves to protect themselves against punctures.
Although wearing double gloves is considered to be positive in terms of patient and employee
safety, it is not preferred by the surgical team in some cases. The sense of touch and
sensitivity of the human hand is at the center of surgical procedures. Finger pulp is
extremely sensitive and contains many sensory receptors. Placing a barrier, such as a glove,
between these sensory receptors and the touched surface may prevent tactile sensitivity in
surgical applications. In addition to the advantages of double gloves in terms of patient and
employee safety, there are disadvantages such as reduced dexterity and touch sensitivity. In
the literature, it has been determined that there are few and old studies examining the
effects of double glove use on performance and comfort. Therefore, this study, it was aimed
to compare the effects of double surgical gloves worn in different procedures or usage habits
(double gloves, large and small gloves) on the comfort, sensitivity, and dexterity of the
surgical team.
The study will conduct as a prospective randomized controlled trial. After obtaining verbal
and written consent from the participant, the study will conduct with various data collection
forms. These forms are; the introductory information form, surgical glove evaluation form,
and Visual Analogue Scale. Participants will randomize. After randomization, participants
will be included in one of four groups. All procedures will be applied to participants in all
groups. Group I (n=20), Group II (n=20), Group III (n=20), Group IV (n=20). Procedure A:
Double gloves, participants will wear both gloves in their surgical glove size. Procedure B:
Double gloves, participants will wear their own glove number and half a size bigger glove on
top. Procedure C: Double gloves, participants will wear a half-size big glove and their own
glove number on top. Procedure D: Participants will wear one glove (control procedure). Open
surgeries with a duration of 90-120 minutes will be preferred for evaluation.