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The operating room (OR) presents the greatest risk of multiple needlestick injuries, according to a study at BJC Healthcare in St. Louis.
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AHA Financial Solutions Inc., a subsidiary of the American Hospital Association in Chicago, is offering a new ergonomics consultation program. Diligent, which is associated with the Arjo Corp. ergonomic equipment company, will provide ongoing consultation, employee training, implementation of equipment, and measurement of progress. The Diligent Ergonomic Risk Management Program provides a guarantee of a 60% reduction in transfer-related injuries for three years.
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The first stage of smallpox vaccination has begun, even before the doses are released or a final plan formulated. Across the country, hospitals are educating health care workers about smallpox and the vaccinia vaccine.
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Amid a nationwide decline in tuberculosis cases and opposition to new rules on skin testing and respirator fit-testing, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is prepared to withdraw its proposed tuberculosis standard.
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Stop trying to get health care workers to wash their hands.
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Janine Jagger, PhD, MPH, whose research and advocacy brought attention to the preventable hazards posed by needle devices, has received a MacArthur Foundation award, which provides an unrestricted award of $100,000 for five years. Jagger, who is director of the International Health Care Worker Safety Center at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center in Charlottesville, says she plans to use the funds to expand the centers work in developing countries.
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A primary goal of the Shared Visions New Pathways survey process is to make the system meaningful instead of concentrating on rote recitations of standards or paperwork that seems to indicate compliance but may not.
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Hospitals are paying much more attention to their Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations-mandated emergency preparedness plans now that terrorist threats could call them into action at any time.
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The Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recently approved a plan that calls for smallpox immunization of 510,000 health care workers.
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The Joint Commissions new approach to surveys promises benefits and improvements over the traditional methods, but dont let your guard down just yet. Those who have tried out the new process caution that you could see worse scores under the new system, and you need to start working right now to get ready for the change in 2004.
