According to CMS, can disposable gloves be an appropriate substitution for hand washing?

The role of hand hygiene in infection control is critical, especially in healthcare settings that serve older adults. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), disposable gloves are not considered an acceptable substitute for hand washing. The rationale behind this policy is that gloves can become contaminated during use and may not provide the same level of protection as properly washed hands. Hand washing removes dirt, organic material, and pathogens from the skin and is essential for minimizing the risk of spreading infections.

Furthermore, there are specific guidelines that emphasize the importance of hand hygiene in preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Gloves should be used as an additional protective barrier when there is a potential for exposure to bodily fluids or when caring for infected patients, but they do not replace the necessity of maintaining proper hand hygiene.

In summary, while gloves are an important part of personal protective equipment, they must be used in conjunction with regular hand washing to ensure effective infection control and promote the health and safety of older adults in care settings.