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. 2015 Jul;9(7):DC17-21.
doi: 10.7860/JCDR/2015/12833.6219. Epub 2015 Jul 1.

Effectiveness of Intensive Interactive Classes and Hands on Practice to Increase Awareness about Sharps Injuries and Splashes among Health Care Workers

Nonika Rajkumari  1 , Purva Mathur  2 , Jacinta Gunjiyal  3 , Mahesh Chandra Misra  4
Affiliations

Effectiveness of Intensive Interactive Classes and Hands on Practice to Increase Awareness about Sharps Injuries and Splashes among Health Care Workers

Nonika Rajkumari et al. J Clin Diagn Res. 2015 Jul.

Abstract

Background: Occupational exposure to sharps and splashes pose a major hazard among health care workers (HCWs); so knowledge and awareness regarding sharps/splashes by blood and potentially infectious body fluids (BBF) is a must. Hence, the study was done to assess the extent of knowledge of the staff and using awareness classes and hands on practice as a model to increase awareness as well as prevention.

Materials and methods: This prospective interventional cohort study, using before - after trial, was conducted in a Level I trauma care centre. All cadres of HCWs were enrolled randomly into 5 different groups of 15 each. This study was conducted in 2 phases - interactive classes and hands on practice (Phase I) and questionnaire assessment and work area observation (phase II). This was repeated twice and the final outcome was analysed. A systematic level of grading was used to assess the improvement.

Results: It was observed that Group 1 (doctors) and group 2 (nurses) had the maximum knowledge about such exposures and its prevention compared to the other groups (groups 3, 4 and 5) during the initial assessment (Phase I). The remaining groups showed a major improvement after the 2(nd) assessment, though their knowledge was poor in the beginning. Groups 1and 2 showed 32% and remaining groups showed a 25% improvement in voluntary reporting after the second assessment (Phase II).

Conclusion: Awareness classes and hands on practice are indeed useful in generating knowledge about sharps/ splashes. Certain incentives given at right time can improve it further.

Keywords: Awareness; Health care workers; Interactive classes; Needlestick injuries; Prophylaxis; Voluntary reporting.

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Figures

[Table/Fig-1]:
[Table/Fig-1]:
Questionnaire in English
[Table/Fig-2]:
[Table/Fig-2]:
Questionnaire in Hindi
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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