Hospital Employee Health – August 1, 2009
August 1, 2009
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CDC: Health workers acquire H1N1 from unsuspected cases, lack of PPE
Health care workers contracted the novel H1N1 influenza A pandemic virus from undiagnosed patients with respiratory symptoms and from fellow employees who came to work sick. But even when they knew they were caring for patients with novel H1N1, many health care workers did not use all of the personal protective equipment [PPE] that is recommended. -
Landmark CA rule sets stage for airborne regs
Amid the backdrop of a worldwide influenza pandemic, hospitals received a new model for protecting health care workers from airborne diseases: Landmark regulation from California that provides a comprehensive approach to the hazards of airborne infectious diseases. -
CDC ponders change in H1N1 recommendations
Should health care workers wear respirators when caring for patients with novel H1N1? In mid-June, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was considering a shift from airborne precautions to droplet precautions, which would mean that health care workers would wear surgical masks when caring for patients. Respirators would still be recommended for aerosol-generating procedures. -
On the frontlines of emerging pandemic
The rural Iowa community of Marshalltown may seem an unlikely place to be an epicenter of a new pandemic. But this spring, the town of about 26,000 coped with a sudden outbreak of novel H1N1, demonstrating why pandemic preparedness is so important for every hospital. -
In pandemic, PAPRs can't replace all N95s
Some hospitals have virtually eliminated annual fit-testing by relying on powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs). But the advent of novel H1N1 brings into focus a reality of pandemic preparedness: You're going to need to conduct just-in-time fit-testing despite the PAPR use. -
Six Sigma targets persistent needlesticks
There's more to needle safety than a safety device. That conclusion, simple as it may sound, led BJC Healthcare in St. Louis to analyze the environment of care and clinical technique as it seeks to reduce injuries from subcutaneous injections. -
AOHP: Needlesticks still top agenda for EHPs
Reducing bloodborne pathogen exposures remains a primary concern for employee health nurses, according to a survey of members by the Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare (AOHP).