Evaluation of the Injury Experiences of Healthcare Worker and the Measures taken, in a Training and Research Hospital

Abstract

Aim: Healthcare workers frequently carry out invasive procedures as part of their jobs. Regarding this situation, they are at risk for stab injuries and also for infectious diseases such as primarily hepatitis infections and Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV) depending on the contact of blood and body fluids to mucous membranes. Applying the infection control measures effectively is very important to reduce the risk of transmission. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the occupational injuries in our hospital and to ensure the relevant measures by determining whether the necessary precautions were taken. Mehtod: Healthcare workers injuries which were occurred at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Education and Research Hospital between 2016 and 2018 were investigated retrospectively. After the records of the infection control committee were examined retrospectively in the first two years, the rate of injury was found to be high, once a month, by the Infectious Diseases Specialist, Medical Microbiology Specialist and Infection Control Committee. Face-to-face training seminars were given to reduce the changes in the data in the last three months of 2018, when the training was given. Results: A total of 220 healthcare workers were included in our study in 3 years. The average age of the workers was 26.4 ± 4.1 years, and the female / male ratio was found as 143/77. In all three years, injuries were seen most commonly in nurses, second in intern students. After the trainings, the greatest reduction in the injury rates was observed in injectör needle sting injuries. Among the hospital staff, the greatest decrease in the injuries was observed in the cleaning staff Conclusion: Healthcare workers should be followed up that whether or not take protective measures such as primarly active and passive immune prophylaxis and carry out infection control measures correctly and effectively, against the occupationally transmitted diseases. Feedback should be received for this purpose and in case of deficiencies, it should be ensured to raise awareness by regular and continuous trainings.

Keywords: Education, awareness, healtcare injury

DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/75-01