Plastic apron wear during direct patient care.
OBJECTIVE
To identify factors that influence nurses' practice in apron use during direct patient care.


METHODS
A small-scale documentary analysis of a purposive sample of 15 journal articles relating to nurses' apron use during patient care was undertaken. The analysis sought to address what factors affect nurses' decisions in relation to apron use.


RESULTS
Nurses' decisions regarding apron use during patient care tend to be ritualistic rather than evidence-based. Their knowledge of infection control is limited.


CONCLUSIONS
Although there is current literature available on infection control, as well as health and safety regulations, if local policy regarding apron use in nursing care is scant this can result in inconsistent and, perhaps, less desirable practices.
Candlin
Josie
J
North Manchester Primary Care Trust, Manchester Metropolitan University, Institute of Education, Manchester. s.stark@mmu.ac.uk
Stark
Sheila
S
D002562:Ceremonial Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D009729:Nursing; D016134:Organizational Policy; D011481:Protective Clothing; D013561:Symbolism