Characteristics as well as prevention and control costs of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens

Abstract:

ObjectiveTo study the characteristics of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens and the cost of prevention and control, and provide evidence for policy making in medical institutions.MethodsA prospective study was conducted to collect the data and followup data about occupational exposure of health care workers(HCWs) from the occupational exposure reporting system of a hospital between June 1, 2016 and May 30, 2017.ResultsThere were 95 cases of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Occupational exposure occurred mainly in June, July, and November, peak time for occurrence was 12∶00 at noon. The main occupations of HCWs who sustained occupational exposure were nurses (41.05%), doctors (28.42%), and practice nurses (15.79%). The main departments of occupational exposure were central operating room (21.05%), emergency department (11.58%), and interventional radiology department (6.32%). The total cost of prevention and control for 95 times of occupational exposures were 33 235.20 Yuan, with an average of 349.84 Yuan per case. The average cost per case after human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) exposure was the highest (2 787.50 Yuan); and cost of syphilis exposure was the lowest (58.88 Yuan).ConclusionIt is necessary to strengthen the training and education of highrisk time, highrisk population, and highrisk departments of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, prevention of occupational exposure with high cost of prevention and control such as HIV should be especially paid attention.