Nurses’ uniforms – The missing link in breaking the chain of hospital acquired infection?
Cindy Halliwell A C and Robyn Nayda B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Lyell McEwin Hospital, Haydown Rd, Elizabeth Vale, SA 5112, Australia.
B Division of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: cindy.halliwell@health.sa.gov.au
Healthcare Infection 16(1) 24-28 https://doi.org/10.1071/HI10036
Submitted: 2 December 2010 Accepted: 17 February 2011 Published: 28 March 2011
Abstract
Do nurses’ uniforms contribute to the spread of hospital-acquired infections (HAI)? This possibility is explored through historical and contemporary literature utilising published scientific, social science and expert commentary. The literature describes nurses’ uniforms link to HAI as contentious and controversial and the subject has caused debate in the House of Commons, England. The relevant themes from the literature include: historical development of nurses’ uniforms; public perceptions of nurses’ uniforms; bacteria and nurses’ uniforms; and transfer of bacteria from nurses’ uniforms to patients. Nurses’ uniforms are in frequent close contact with multiple patients and thus a likely source of HAI. The historical and social connection between nurses’ uniforms and society, particularly in the UK, and public impact on uniform policy and guidelines are addressed.
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