Which Trial do we Need? Gown and Glove use Versus Standard Precautions for Patients Colonized or Infected with methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> or vancomycin-resistant <i>Enterococcus</i>

Abstract

Background Gown and glove use as a component of ‘contact precautions’ was first recommended by the United States Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee in 1996 and remains widely adhered to today. Despite a lack of randomized trial evidence in support of this practice, donning of gowns and gloves upon entry to the patient area (room or cubicle) continues to be ‘strongly recommended’ when the patient is infected or colonized with pathogens of epidemiological importance