Answer:
Despite some evidence that suggest that finger ring use is associated with higher bacterial
colonization, healthcare providers continue to wear finger rings in a healthcare setting. The aim
of this systematic review was to synthesize the evidence to date regarding whether finger ring
use increases bacterial colonization of healthcare providers' hands. Articles that studied the
association finger ring use with hand hygiene and bacterial colonization were searched using
PubMed, Google Scholar, and Georgia State University's online library systems. The overall
results of this review suggest that finger ring use does increase the bacterial colonization on the
hands of HCPs but not with significant difference when compared to no finger ring use;
therefore, further research needs to be conducted to decide whether finger rings should be used in
a healthcare setting or not.
