The psychological consequences of occupational blood and body fluid exposure injuries

Purpose. This article describes the psychological impact of occupational blood and body fluid (BBF) exposure injuries and provides suggestions for improving clinical practice.

Method. A literature review was conducted to search for articles relating to the psychological consequences and management of these work injuries.

Results. Acute psychological symptoms including posttraumatic stress, anxiety and depression are frequently experienced postexposure, which appear to be the major contributing factors of time loss from work. Furthermore, a subgroup is at risk for chronic symptoms and disability that persists beyond notification that no disease transmission occurred. Distressed workers often go unrecognised and untreated, and their assistance needs are largely unknown. Accordingly, this article draws upon the posttraumatic stress literature to offer suggestions for advancing the postexposure management of these injuries.

Conclusions. This clinical commentary underscores the serious yet understudied secondary psychological effects of occupational BBF exposure injuries. Postexposure management programmes need to place greater emphasis on psychosocial and educational initiatives to improve the identification and treatment of symptomatic workers.