Risk Taking by Health Care Workers

Abstract

HEALTH CARE WORKERS (HCWs) are at risk for acquiring infections such as human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C, and tuberculosis from blood and body fluids. The Centers for Disease Control established guidelines known as universal precautions (UPs) to prevent transmission of blood-borne pathogens in hospital settings, but UPs are not universally followed. CNSs are in a unique position to enhance the practice of UPs and decrease the HCW's risk-taking behavior. CNSs need to identify risk-taking behaviors and help HCWs make the right decision in risky situations. Reasons cited for noncompliance with UPs were habit, forgetfulness, influence of the nurse manager, and perceptions that barrier precautions hinder the ability to perform procedures successfully. Suggestions for improving compliance with UPs were better enforcement of guidelines, a policy mandating compliance, easy and available access to supplies, replacement of hazardous devices with safer ones, and discussion with HCWs on decision making in risky situations. CNSs possess the credibility in the clinical arena to effect change through clinical expertise, role modeling, and collaboration with HCWs.

Investigating the knowledge, attitudes and practice patterns of operating room staff towards standard and transmission‐based precautions: results of a cluster analysis

“…Having established certain habits in practice, pressure to change these habits will likely be perceived as controlling, and therefore will be resisted (Kim et al 2001b). When experts present information on health risks that are contrary to people's existing knowledge, there may be a psychological tendency to cling to the original knowledge because people's beliefs change very slowly and are extraordinarily persistent in the face of contrary evidence (Slovic et al 1980, Sulzbach-Hoke 1996. In Iran, over half of healthcare workers indicated positive attitudes about routine hand washing before and after glove use and just under half reported that they routinely practiced this infection control guideline (Askarian et al 2005).…”

Antibacterial and Laundering Properties of AMS and PHMB as Finishing Agents on Fabric for Health Care Workers' Uniforms

“…Dusaj (1993) reported that about one half of all surgical procedures resulted in an accident where at least one medical worker was contaminated with blood. Any blood contamination could pose a risk of transmission of bacteria and other harmful pathogens such as HIV, HBV, and hepatitis C (Leonas, 1993;Sulzbach-Hoke, 1996). Health care workers' uniforms (HCWUs), such as surgical gowns, scrub suits, lab coats, and nurses' uniforms, are often used as barriers to help eliminate or reduce the risk of infection for both the HCW and the patient; however, studies showed that bacteria could penetrate through many HCWUs (Altman, McElhaney, Moylan, & Fitzpatrick, 1991;Smith & Nichols, 1991).…”

Student Occupational Exposure Incidence: Perception Versus Reality

“…Sulzbach-Hoke found noncompliance for many reasons including habit, forgetfulness, influence of managers, and perceptions that barrier precautions hinder performance. 29 Sandman identified a number of additional reasons for noncompliance (therefore increasing risk), including the notion that "it can't happen to me," ignorance of precautions, being uncomfortable with change, and cultural differences. 30 Treanor commented that health care workers are exposed to significant risks by the very nature of their profession, some of which are obvious, unrecognized, or underestimated.…”