An explorative study of the experiences and the reasons why health workers report a needle stick injury
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Date
2005
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Western Cape
Abstract
The aim of the study was to explore the reasons why health workers reported their occupationally acquired needle stick injury. The secondary reasons for this study was to be able to identify the factors that contributed to the choice to report as well as the feelings health workers experienced during and after the injury.
Methodology
A qualitative research design with a phenomenological approach was used to
gain understanding around why health workers reported the needle stick
injury. Data was collected through a semi- structured interview.
Population
The 89 health workers at a Secondary Hospital in the Cape Town Metropole
Health district who reported an occupational injury from 2001 to 2004.
Sample
Nine health workers were interviewed.
Findings
From the nine participants only six had needle stick injuries, while the other
three had other blood and body fluid occupational exposures.
The most common reason for reporting was that the health workers wanted to
ensure their own physical well-being. Health workers and their families
experienced emotional turmoil after the needle stick injury.
Description
Magister Curationis
Keywords
Needle stick injury, Work place policy, Reasons, Feelings, Reporting, Support