Date of Award

1996

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Health Care Administration

Department

Health Care

First Advisor

Betty LeMasters

Second Advisor

David Van Swearingen

Third Advisor

Barry O. McCauley

Abstract

As the number of persons infected with bloodborne diseases continues to increase, it is paramount that all health care workers exhibit behaviors reflecting unerring compliance with universal precaution.

The majority of occupational exposures to potentially infectious blood and body fluids occur via needlestick injury. The morbidity and mortality from these exposures is significant. A review of research examining work practices mandated by the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard challenges their effectiveness. Principles identified provide insight into why work practice may not prevent needlesticks.

Several industries are developing new products to address this situation, but there are few data on how well these devices will reduce the risk of exposure and whether they will be cost effective. This study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of "needleless" intravenous IV systems on needlestick exposure and to determine if the installation of these new methods could be justified.

Included in

Nursing Commons

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