title: Management of occupational blood exposures: looking at progress.
abstract: Occupational blood exposure (OBE) is a well-recognised hazard in the healthcare setting. A 4-year review of OBE in a large Irish teaching hospital over 2008-2011 found encouraging results, but identified deficits in documentation, communication and follow-up. The process was repeated 1 year later to determine if improvements were achieved and recommendations implemented. In 2012, 110 OBEs were reported, of which 81% were reported within 72 hours of the injury. The administration of first aid was adequately documented in 85% of cases and confirmation of the provision of appropriate information and/or counselling in 72% of the cases. Attendance for follow-up was broadly in line with the previous review. The findings and recommendations contributed to improvements in practice. However, to ensure these are ongoing, the reinforcement of an educational strategy in a systematic way is fundamental.
authors.affiliation: Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Occupational Health.
authors.forename: Mairead Holland
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Flynn
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Reid
mesh_terms: D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017848:Blood-Borne Pathogens; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D017757:Infectious Disease Transmission, Professional-to-Patient / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007494:Ireland; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
keywords: Blood-borne virus; Needlestick injuries; Occupational blood exposure; Occupational health services; Safety devices