Use of non-sterile gloves in the ward environment: an evaluation of healthcare workers' perception of risk and decision making.

Background: Studies have found that inappropriate use of non-sterile gloves (NSG) can affect hand hygiene compliance; the main risks are missing opportunities for hand hygiene and gloves being a vector for microbial transmission.

Aim: The aims of this study were to explore the accuracy of healthcare worker (HCW) risk assessment and decision making regarding the use of NSG.

Methods: The study was conducted in two acute NHS Trusts and a community social enterprise.