Rubber Gloves: The Simple Invention That Revolutionised Medicine

The video tells the story of Caroline Hampton, a pioneering nurse in the late 19th century, who faced challenges with contact dermatitis due to harsh sterilization chemicals. Her future husband, William Halsted, commissioned custom rubber gloves to protect her hands, leading to a significant reduction in post-surgical infections. This innovation was initially met with reluctance but eventually became a standard practice in surgery, revolutionizing medical procedures and improving patient outcomes.

What societal expectations did Caroline Hampton defy in her early life?

• Starting a business

• Traveling the world

• Marrying well and settling down

• Becoming a teacher

What condition did Caroline develop due to her work at Johns Hopkins Hospital?

• Arthritis

• Migraine

• Contact dermatitis

• Asthma

How did William Stewart Halsted help Caroline with her skin condition?

• He created a plaster cast of her hands

• He advised her to quit her job

• He prescribed medication

• He transferred her to a different department

What was the initial reaction of other medical staff to the use of rubber gloves?

• They were enthusiastic

• They were indifferent

• They were reluctant

• They were opposed

By 1911, what percentage of US surgeons routinely wore rubber gloves?

• 75%

• 100%

• 25%

• 50%