Hospital Employee Health – July 1, 2009

July 1, 2009

• Health care workers infected with novel H1N1 influenza A virus

  With persistent outbreaks but milder-than-expected disease severity, novel H1N1 posed a unique dilemma for hospitals. They first needed to assuage fear, then to prevent against complacency. They needed to monitor employee illnesses and provide adequate precautions, yet encountered varying guidance.

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• Protect HCWs and patients with early flu vaccines

  Amid uncertainties about the novel H1N1 virus (swine flu), there's one clear edict: Vaccinate early and often for seasonal influenza.

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• Did hospitals do enough to protect HCWs?

  Think of the outbreak of a novel H1N1 virus this spring as a colossal pandemic preparedness drill - either for a future virus or for a stronger resurgence of the strain later this year. So, how did hospitals do in their mission to protect health care workers, including providing appropriate protective equipment, training, and communication?

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• Survey reveals report-to-work intent in pandemic

  If you want your employees to report to work during a pandemic, make sure you have plenty of antiviral medications. Let them know how you'll help them manage the unique work-life balance issues of an emergency, such as child care when schools are closed. And underscore how important they are to the organization - even if their duties are clerical or custodial.

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• NIOSH proposes update to hazardous drugs

  As the Food and Drug Administration approves new drugs for new uses, the list of potential occupational hazards grows.

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• A national mandate for safe patient handling?

  A new political climate and a growing roster of state laws have given new life to efforts to mandate safe patient handling in the nation's health care system.

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