The study explored the reporting and follow-up practices after blood and body fluid
exposures in a tertiary care hospital in the United Arab Emirates. The Occupational
Health Clinic schedule was audited, and medical files of staff members visiting the
Clinic to report an exposure during 2006 and 2007 were retrieved for a detailed review.
The raw data were obtained and analyzed; the original files were used as a reference
to recover any missing information. Results showed that 156 exposures were reported;
of which 77.6% were needle stick injuries. These were most commonly caused by handling,
passing, disposing of needles, or while manipulating the needle in the patient. Hospital
Wards were the most common location from which exposures were reported (41%). Nurses
reported 61% of the exposures, followed by physicians 24%, laboratory staff 9%, and
others 6%. Blood analysis was performed for 63% of patients to whose blood staffs
were exposed. Post exposure blood tests were performed on 91% of staff. Treatment
and follow-up was traced for 6 months at which 42.3% of the staff did not complete
the follow-up. The retrospective clinical audit showed that the reported exposures
were not managed properly. Repeated preventable exposures were being reported which
involved exposures related to recapping and disposal. We recommend a comprehensive
blood and body fluid programme to improve the safety and quality of work at the hospital.
Key-words:
Clinical Audit - blood & body fluid exposure - reporting - treatment and follow-up
