[Exposure to biologic hazards in rehabilitation: analysis of the perceived risk and of the educational needs of nurses and physiotherapists].
Nurses and physiotherapists who work in a Rehabilitation Centre are exposed to biologic hazards due to the close physical contact they have with their patients, who are often affected by contagious infectious diseases. The perceived risk amongst these workers is a significant element in establishing an effective prevention plan and in evaluating educational needs and was therefore investigated in this survey. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire, structured in four subsections for a total of twenty four multiple-choice questions was used. The evaluated variables included knowledge of pathogen transmission pathways, modes of exposure to such pathogens, knowledge of universal precautions and of ways in which to deal with known exposure. Physiotherapists, more so than nurses, have a partial and insufficient knowledge of biologic hazards. The main reason for this gap can be found in the school curriculum for such professionals, in which, in comparison to other graduate degree courses (medicine, nursing) a much smaller amount of course time is allotted to the topic of biologic hazards and risk prevention. In order to practice effective risk management it is therefore necessary for the employer to commit to providing specific on-site education and training to its workers. For this purpose, our centre has developed specific educational activities and internal procedures which can be shared on the topic of biologic hazards and risk management.
Papalia
Francesco
F
Direzione Sanitaria, Casa di Cura Policlinico Italia. dir.sanitaria@policlinicoitalia.it
Monami
Stefano
S
Antonelli
Leone
L
Magnavita
Nicola
N
Marchi
Edda
E
D003479:Curriculum; D004506:Education, Nursing; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D009726:Nurses; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control; D026761:Physical Therapy Specialty / Q000193:education; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D012308:Risk Management; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D015386:Hazardous Substances