Effects of Training Course on Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens: A Controlled Interventional Study

Abstract

Context: one of the serious occupational concerns in health care workers (HCWs) is exposure to blood/body fluids that can transmit blood borne pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B and C viruses. We are reporting the effects of training course and surveillance on the rate of needle stick injuries (NSIs) among HCWs at an educational hospital in Iran.

Aims: To evaluate the effects of training course on the rate of NSIs and its reporting. Settings and Design: we selected two hospitals (A&B) based on their similarities in wards and facilities then asked the managers of these two hospitals to participate in our study.

Methods and Material: We established a new occupational health center and conducted a training course at hospital A on 2010 and compared it with control group (hospital B). The data from 2009 to 2011 was collected, analyzed to compare pre and post intervention rates. Statistical analysis used:We used SPSS for windows and statistical significance was observed using Chi-square and independent T-test.

Results: During study period nurses sustained the highest number of injuries (hospital A: n=80; 66.1%& hospital B: n=64; 35.4%). The incidence rate of NSIs in hospital A was 7.16 NSI/100FTE/YEAR before the intervention which was increased to 12.06 after the intervention. In hospital B This rate was 6.05 during three years.

Conclusions: The study revealed remarkable increase in the incidence rate of NSIs after the intervention. This is being achieved by meticulous surveillance, training course and improving awareness.

Keywords: Bloodborne pathogens, health care workers, needle stick injuries