Researchers in Brazil sought to analyze the main occupational risks to which that healthcare professionals are subjected in their work activities, as well as explore measures that can prevent these accidents. Da Silva, et al. employed a method integrative review of the literature through the selection of articles in databases such as Medline, CINAHL and Lilacs, using as key words "accident," "work" and "health," totaling 12 publications in the last 10 years.
The researchers report on general estimates that each year approximately 2 million women and men die as a result of occupational accidents and work-related diseases. Healthcare professionals are exposed to a number of risks, such as chemical, physical, biological, psychosocial, ergonomic, mechanical and actual accidents. According to the study authors, biohazards are the main generators of health- and risk premiums for these workers, because once in contact with bodily fluids from patients such as blood, there may be transmission of pathogenic microorganisms, chiefly HIV and hepatitis B and C.
DaSilva, et al. conclude that it is important then, to emphasize that preventive measures should be adopted in preventing contamination through accidents, such as vaccination, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and compliance with standard precautions. They add that healthcare professionals must pay attention to as possible causes of accidents in their workplaces and, through simple measures such as use of PPE, they can significantly reduce these risks. Their research was presented at the 2011 International Conference on Prevention & Infection Control (ICPIC).
Reference: J Da Silva, CN Shimura and A Giordani. Risks of accidents at work in health professionals. Presentation at International Conference on Prevention & Infection Control (ICPIC). Presentation at International Conference on Prevention & Infection Control (ICPIC). BMC Proceedings 2011, 5(Suppl 6):P287
Ensuring Safety and Comfort: The Urgent Need for Well-Fitted PPE in Health Care
April 5th 2024Personal protective equipment (PPE) stands as the first line of defense against infectious diseases in health care. Yet, the issue of ill-fitting PPE, especially for women, remains a significant challenge.
COVID-19 Harmonization: Balancing Risks and Benefits of CDC's Latest Move
March 11th 2024The CDC's recent decision to align recommendations for respiratory viruses, particularly COVID-19, has garnered support from the public and infectious disease societies. However, as the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) lends its backing to the CDC's harmonization efforts, concerns persist regarding the implications of this shift, especially considering the Omicron variant's unique characteristics and the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19's multi-system impacts.
Voices of Resilience: Q&A With the Editor of "Corona City: Voices From an Epicenter"
March 1st 2024Step into the diverse and poignant world of "Corona City: Voices From an Epicenter" with editor Lorraine Ash, MA. In this insightful Q&A, learn about the origins of this remarkable anthology, the challenges faced in capturing raw, unfiltered narratives of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lasting impact of these stories on readers and communities alike.
Rare Disease Day 2024: Spotlight on Rare Infectious Diseases
February 29th 2024Rare Disease Day on February 29, 2024, shines a global light on the impact of rare diseases, including rare infectious diseases. With a focus on early diagnosis and treatment access, this day highlights the struggles of those with rare conditions.