Effects of Training Course on Occupational Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens: A Controlled Interventional Study

BACKGROUND One of the serious occupational concerns in health care workers (HCWs) is exposure to blood/body fluids that can transmit blood borne pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B and C viruses. We are reporting the effects of training course and surveillance on the rate of needle stick injuries (NSIs) among HCWs at an educational hospital in Iran. AIMS To evaluate the effects of training course on the rate of NSIs and its reporting. METHODS We selected two hospitals (A&B) based on their similarities in wards and facilities then asked the managers of these two hospitals to participate in our study. We established a new occupational health center and conducted a training course at hospital A on 2010 and compared it with control group (hospital B). The data from 2009 to 2011 was collected, analyzed to compare pre and post intervention rates. RESULTS DURING STUDY PERIOD NURSES SUSTAINED THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF INJURIES (HOSPITAL A: n=80; 66.1% and hospital B: n=64; 35.4%). The incidence rate of NSIs in hospital A was 7.16 NSI/100FTE/YEAR before the intervention which was increased to 12.06 after the intervention. In hospital B this rate was 6.05 during three years. CONCLUSIONS The study revealed remarkable increase in the incidence rate of NSIs after the intervention. This is being achieved by meticulous surveillance, training course and improving awareness.