A study of percutaneous injuries amongst health care workers in a tertiary care hospital
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Date
2020-10
Authors
Jacob, Aswin Geo
Deodhar, Divya
John, Mary
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Medip Academy
Abstract
Background: Percutaneous injuries (PCI) pose a significant risk of occupational transmission of blood borne pathogens to health care workers (HCWs). Their incidence is considerably higher than current estimates, and hence a low injury rate should not be interpreted as a non-existent problem.Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 1 year at a tertiary care teaching hospital in northern India. As soon as the HCW sustains a PCI, they were instructed to report to the emergency department where note was made of all the details in the post exposure reporting form.Results: The incidence of PCI in this study was found to be 4.3%. PCIs were reported maximum among nursing staff (63.41%) compared to doctors (36.58%). Majority of PCIs were reported within 1 hour of sustaining the injury (57.1%). Needle stick injury was the commonest injury sustained by HCWs (84.5%). 91.46% of HCWs were fully immunized against hepatitis B.Conclusions: Preventing PCI is an essential part of infection control program in a hospital. Stress must be laid for mandatory reporting of all PCI irrespective of the source.
Description
Keywords
Health care workers, Percutaneous Injuries, Needle stick Injuries
Citation
Jacob Aswin Geo, Deodhar Divya, John Mary. A study of percutaneous injuries amongst health care workers in a tertiary care hospital. International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences. 2020 Oct; 8(10): 3637-3642