Universal Gloving for C. Difficile Infection
(GLORI Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+6 other locations

Overseen byNasia Safdar, MD PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a major pathogen causing serious healthcare-associated diarrheal illness in patients. Prevention of healthcare facility-onset C. difficile infection (CDI) is essential. Many CDI cases are caused by the transmission of the pathogen from patients who carry the bacteria, but do not have symptoms. However, there are limited data on how to prevent the transmission of C. difficile from patients who do not have symptoms. Universal gloving practices - the use of gloves by all healthcare workers for all patient contacts - may reduce CDI cases. In this study, the investigators will examine the effectiveness of universal gloving practices as compared to standard of care (use of gloving for contact only in patients with known CDI or other infections). The investigators will compare the effects of these practices on the transmission of C. difficile within participating hospital units to determine if universal gloving is an effective practice to prevent healthcare-associated CDI.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adult patients and healthcare workers in certain VA hospital units, including acute medical or surgical wards. Units must be able to collect data and have support from hospital leadership. It's not for those in long-term care, mixed-acuity, intensive care, or specialty units.

Inclusion Criteria

Local R&D Committee approval.

Ability to identify one of the following inpatient units as defined by CDC National Healthcare Safety Network30 by reviewing prior 12-month patient mix data (at least 80% of patients meet patient type):

The hospital where you are receiving treatment has a certain number of C. difficile cases to allow for accurate comparison with other hospitals.

+8 more

Exclusion Criteria

The clinical trial is only open to individuals who are being treated in specific medical departments or units.

Mixed-acuity units

I am currently in or require an intensive care unit.

+1 more

Participant Groups

The study tests if wearing gloves all the time (universal gloving) by healthcare workers can prevent the spread of C. difficile better than just using gloves with known infected patients (standard practice).

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: InterventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Enact universal gloving practices

Group II: ControlActive Control1 Intervention

Continue standard of care gloving practices