Süleyman KOZLU, Süleyman Kaan ÖNER
Eurasian Clinical and Analytical Medicine - 2026;14(2):34-37
Aim: Surgical gloves provide a critical protective interface between patients and healthcare workers during invasive procedures. However, with the introduction of antimicrobial technologies, the concept of "barrier" may no longer be perceived solely as mechanical protection. This study aimed to evaluate operating room nurses' understanding of the barrier concept in surgical gloves and to assess whether conceptual confusion exists between mechanical and antimicrobial protection. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive, anonymous online survey included 110 operating room nurses. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire evaluating demographic characteristics, perceptions of glove technologies, and clinical practice preferences. Group comparisons were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test, and correlations were analyzed using Spearman's correlation coefficient. This study is reported in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Results: Among participants, 65.5% defined the barrier concept as physical/mechanical resistance, whereas 34.5% defined it as antimicrobial/biological protection. In addition, 46.4% incorrectly identified the primary function of antimicrobial gloves as providing a thicker physical layer against perforation. Furthermore, 32.7% believed that orthopedic gloves contain antibiotics. In cases involving known infectious diseases, 48.2% preferred double standard gloving, while a considerable proportion reported glove combinations or layering preferences inconsistent with the intended mechanism of glove technologies. Conclusion: There is notable conceptual confusion among operating room nurses regarding surgical glove technologies. Misinterpreting antimicrobial protection as mechanical reinforcement may create a false sense of security and compromise appropriate glove selection and layering. Regular in-service training on glove mechanisms and layering strategies is needed.
