Gloves have become a cornerstone of modern healthcare, safeguarding patients and medical professionals. Gloves have progressed from a simple protective accessory to a crucial medical practice component.
The Medieval Period: Gloves and Medicine
In medieval Europe, gloves were often made from leather or cloth and used by physicians as part of their attire. During this period, gloves were used as a ‘uniform’ to indicate professionalism. The use of gloves in medicine was rudimentary, focusing more on personal protection than infection control.
The 19th Century: Birth of Medical Gloves
The real turning point for gloves in healthcare came in the late 19th century. In 1889, an American surgeon, Dr. William Halsted, was credited with pioneering surgical gloves [1]. Halsted’s introduction of gloves was initially motivated by a desire to protect the hands of his scrub nurse, Caroline Hampton, who developed dermatitis from the antiseptic solutions used during surgeries. Recognising the potential benefits for both hygiene and comfort, Halsted and Hampton collaborated to design the first rubber surgical gloves.
Thanks to Caroline Hampton, this innovation was revolutionary. Gloves addressed infection control and the comfort of medical personnel, setting a new standard for surgical practices. The use of gloves in surgery soon became a norm, and their adoption spread rapidly among the medical community.
Mid-20th Century: Advances in Materials and Infection Control
The mid-20th century saw further advancements in glove technology, with the introduction of latex gloves becoming a significant milestone[2].
In Australia, latex gloves improved the safety and comfort of medical procedures. Latex, derived from natural rubber, provided a flexible and durable option, becoming a standard in Australian hospitals and clinics.
During this period, Australian medical professionals became increasingly aware of infection control. The use of gloves became more standardised, with guidelines and protocols developed to minimise the risk of cross-contamination. This shift mirrored global trends, reflecting a growing understanding of the importance of hygiene in medical settings.
Late 20th Century to Early 21st Century: Innovations and Alternatives
The late 20th and early 21st centuries brought significant changes to glove technology, particularly in response to emerging issues such as latex allergies[3].
In Australia, developing and adopting synthetic materials, such as nitrile and vinyl, provided essential alternatives to latex gloves. Nitrile gloves, known for their durability and resistance to punctures and chemicals, became particularly popular in Australian healthcare settings. This period also saw a growing emphasis on environmental considerations.
Modern Practices and Future Directions
Today, gloves are an indispensable part of Australian healthcare practice and have branched into various industries. Australian healthcare guidelines, such as those from the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, provide comprehensive standards for glove use to ensure safety and efficacy [4].
Advancements in glove technology are likely to continue. Innovations such as ‘intelligent’ gloves with embedded sensors and antimicrobial coatings are emerging, promising to enhance safety and functionality further. Australian researchers and manufacturers will likely play a significant role in these developments, contributing to advancements in global and local healthcare practice.
References:
1 Kean, S 2020 ‘The Nurse Who introduced gloves to the operating room’, https://www.sciencehistory.org/stories/magazine/the-nurse-who-introduced-gloves-to-the-operating-room/
2 Glove Nation, 2023, ‘The invention of Surgical Gloves’, https://glovenation.com/blogs/news/the-invention-of-surgical-gloves
3 Wu, M, Mcintosh, J, & Lui, J 2016, ‘Current Prevalence Rate of Latex Allergy: Why it Remains a Problem?’, Journal of Occupational Health, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5356959/
4 National Hand Hygiene Initiative, 2024, https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/infection-prevention-and-control/national-hand-hygiene-initiative/what-hand-hygiene#:~:text=Glove%20use%20and%20hand%20hygiene,-Wearing%20gloves%20does&text=Gloves%20should%20be%20worn%3A,example%20with%20transmission%20based%20precautions