Hospitals have been directed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to educate health care workers about bloodborne pathogens. The purpose of this descriptive study is to assess the knowledge and concerns of health care workers regarding bloodborne pathogens and describe the application of universal precautions in practice.Orem's Theory of Self-Care was used for the framework because nurses are self-care agents, responsible for personal well-being, as well as patient's well-being. The instrument "Bloodborne Pathogens and Universal Precautions Test" was used to collect the data (Jones & Ryan, 1992). A convenience sample of twelve hospitals within the state of Indiana with four hundred-fifty licensed nursing personnel responded to the questionnaire.Findings revealed a mean score of 84.5 on the knowledge scale. Perception of availability of supplies and equipment ranged from consistently available (68.5% to 98.7%) to never available (0.0% to 0.9%). Perception of application of universal precautions ranged from consistently applied (32.4% to 84.0%) to never applied (0.0% to 9.5%). Content analysis of concerns related by health care workers included fear of contagion and accidental injury.Conclusions indicated knowledge of transmission and availability of supplies do not ensure compliance with universal precautions. Increased knowledge levels will decrease, but not eliminate, fear of contagion.Universal precaution training alone does not adequately prepare health care workers for HIV/AIDS patients. On-going educational endeavors are needed, including affective concerns. / School of Nursing
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/184908 |
| Date | January 1994 |
| Creators | Miller, Diane K. |
| Contributors | Ball State University. School of Nursing., Alie, Nagia S. |
| Source Sets | Ball State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Format | iv, 90 leaves ; 28 cm. |
| Source | Virtual Press |
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