| Abstract: | A recent study of percutaneous injuries from phlebotomy devices showed that only about half of all injuries were reported through the hospital surveillance system. In light of the success of post-exposure prophylaxis in reducing occupational HIV transmission, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that health care facilities work to improve reporting. The year-long CDC study of health-care professionals revealed that on average 54 percent of needlestick injuries were reported, though reporting rates varied by occupation. Janine Jagger, director of the International Health Care Worker Safety Research and Resource Center, says some workers fail to report injuries because they do not consider a needlestick a high-risk event. Others, she notes, are concerned about the potential problems associated with contracting a bloodborne pathogen. The CDC, which recently issued recommendations for post-exposure prophylaxis, hopes that reports confirming the benefit of treatment will improve the reporting of accidents. Setting up a 24-hour hotline for employees is one way to improve reporting by making it convenient and confidential. |
