Whilst performing internal temporomandibular motion palpation and adjustments, my standard of

infection control in relation to safe practice before application of gloves was not at an appropriate
standard. This was seen as I applied the gloves without initially washing my hands therefore, infecting the
gloves.

The real issue is the inability to apply multiple hygiene practices in order to ensure the least possible
chance of disease transmission.

Through the course ‘Microbiology for Health Care’, I do have knowledge on how harmful pathogens are
transmitted through patient and practitioner interaction and the existing precautions to reduce the
likelihood of occurrence. However, I do not currently possess the skill to determine, and immediately
recognise, when such precautions are required in a practical setting.

In order to develop such as skill, it is crucial that I seek advice from lecturers during on-campus practical
sessions and also my ‘Microbiology for Health Care’ lecturer. These are trustworthy sources as they are
qualified professionals through the university and have years of experience.

Secondly, personal study of peer reviewed articles through the CQUniversity library, PubMed and Google
Scholar regarding chiropractic hygiene practices would provide specific insight into situations where it is of
great significance. These sources are also trustworthy due to them being peer reviewed.

Thirdly, by continued good practice I will form the habit of greater awareness towards this concern.

A team approach would be effective in resolving this problem as other students whom do not struggle in
this field would be able to provide their own experience, knowledge and also feedback when performing
my procedures. As I progress through my studies with students and peers setting good examples, I will
become more aware of their protocols and these hygiene skills will become part of my normal practice.
Peer students and lecturers within the health care industry would be recruited into this management team
to ensure they have specific and related advice.

While the efficiency of glove usage in preventing contamination of health care workers hands has been
confirmed in several published studies, gloves do not provide 100% protection. A research reported that,
bacterial flora from patients was found on the hands of up to 30% of health care workers who had worn
gloves during patient contact but did not apply them appropriately (Pittet, 1999, p.821-6). For maximum
effectiveness, it is recommended that the practitioner wash his/ her hands before applying appropriately
sized gloves to prevent the actual gloves becoming contaminated. This new approach is also supported
by Randle et al. (2006) whom states, “Hand hygiene is the single most efficient preventative measure
however, compliance with hand hygiene remains low. This is due to factors associated with performing
activities with cross contamination, glove use and involvement in technical specialties”.

This renewed approach is evidently worthy in implementing next time around. It is essential within a
health care setting to ensure the highest possible standard of hygiene control is performed in order to
reduce the likelihood of disease transmission. Through research, communication and the support from a
team, these practices will become a natural and consistent safeguard for the future.
 References

Pittet, D., Dharan, S., Touveneau, S., Sauvan, V., Perneger, TV. (1999). Bacterial contamination of the

hands of hospital staff during routine patient care. Archives of Internal Medicine, 159(8), 821-6.

Retrieved from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine

Randle, J., Clarke, M. & Storr, J. (2006). Hand hygiene compliance in healthcare workers. Journal of Hospital

Infection, (64), 205-209. Retrieved from www.elsevierhealth.com/journals/jhin