title: Management of occupational  blood exposures: a 4-year review.
abstract: In the healthcare setting, occupational blood exposure (OBE) is a well recognised hazard. Following exposure, prompt and correct management is required to prevent infection and minimise adverse psychological impact. The aim of the study was to ascertain whether or not documentation of the management and follow up of OBEs was appropriate and in line with best practice. Of the 134 cases reviewed, 65% of staff who reported an OBE attended for management on the day of the injury. The instrument type was documented in 95% of cases, and degree of injury in 91%. However, the provision of first aid was adequately documented for only 36% of exposure cases and the provision of adequate information and advice was documented for just 33%. Only approximately half of 23% of healthcare workers requiring follow up completed this within the recommended time frame. This study identified deficits in documentation, communication and follow up. However, this will likely improve with the recommendations outlined in this article.
authors.affiliation: Tallaght Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: Mairead
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Holland Flynn
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Reid
mesh_terms: D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007494:Ireland / Q000453:epidemiology; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012189:Retrospective Studies