Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1337263
31 Executive Briefing Sponsored by: W ith COVID-19, personal protective equipment acquisition has been top of mind for healthcare leaders across the country. PPE concerns aren't new, however. Even before the pandemic, healthcare organizations were reexamining their purchase criteria for medical gloves. To reduce allergic reactions among employees and patients, many providers converted to latex- free environments. Despite this transition, allergic reactions haven't disappeared. In fact, Type IV chemical allergy occurrences have increased due to the chemical accelerators used in many non-latex gloves. These allergic reactions are costly, resulting in rescheduling of procedures, workers' compensation claims and staff turnover. Becker's Hospital Review recently spoke with Gina Gilbert, BSN, RN, senior director of professional education and clinical affairs at Ansell, about the safety challenges facing healthcare organizations and how Ansell's innovative PI KARE skin friendly technology eliminates the risk of Type I latex allergies and dramatically reduces the risk of Type IV chemical allergies. To reduce allergic reactions, hospitals have transitioned to non-latex environments In the 1980s and 1990s, use of medical gloves escalated in response to the human-to-human transmission of hepatitis C and HIV. This change significantly increased worker exposure to natural rubber latex (NRL) and NRL allergies became a growing concern as a result. In response, many hospitals and healthcare systems have converted to non-latex products. Dating back to 2005, studies have found that conversion to non-latex helped reduce long-term healthcare costs and the costs of converting to a non-latex environment were lower than employee compensation claims for latex-related disability. 1 Eliminating latex gloves has also provided logistical advantages. "Hospitals can consolidate their glove lines which simplifies ordering. Many hospitals discover that eliminating latex gloves frees up space in the operating room for storage. Staff time to create protocols and training teams is also greatly reduced, as is the risk of potential litigation," said Ms. Gilbert. Latex free doesn't mean allergy free: Type IV chemical allergy occurrences are on the rise To eliminate the risk of latex allergies, many hospitals and healthcare facilities have moved to 100 percent non- latex gloves. While Type I latex allergies have decreased significantly, Type IV chemical allergies still occur and have actually increased over time. Among healthcare workers, delayed chemical allergies or sensitivities cause over 49 percent of occupational skin- related reactions. 2 Research has found that the standard chemical accelerators used in glove manufacturing cause up to 82 percent of these allergies or sensitivities. 3,6 Chemical allergies represent a significant occupational hazard and are the second highest occupational disability reported to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. A Type IV chemical allergy is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction that typically develops six to forty-eight hours after exposure to a specific allergen, like chemical residues from the glove manufacturing process. Reactions typically involve dermatitis at the site of contact and range in severity from mild discomfort to reactions that could significantly affect healthcare workers' ability to perform their jobs. Most Type IV chemical allergies are localized and uncomfortable. Unlike Type I latex allergies, they are not life threatening. Glove selection protocols are essential, especially during a pandemic The organizational and financial costs associated with occupational skin dermatosis in healthcare are significant, resulting in $1.5 billion in direct and indirect costs. 7 One anaphylactic episode alone can cost between $5,000 and $25,000. 8,9 In addition, a Type I latex allergy or a Type IV chemical allergy can hinder a healthcare worker's ability to practice their profession. Learn more about the hidden cost of latex at www.ansell.com/nonlatex. "It's important to keep in mind that all non-latex gloves help eliminate the risk of Type I latex allergies, but not all non- Latex free doesn't mean allergy free: How health systems are optimizing PPE strategies to offer superior protection to employees