Infection Control
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The sick treating the sick: HCWs pressured to work ill
Employee health professionals must work with clinical colleagues to develop clear, supportive policies that clarify when ill healthcare workers should take a sick day rather than expose vulnerable patients and co-workers, researchers recommend.
AOHP marks 35th anniversary
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare.
HCV infections in Utah hospitals linked to drug diverter
Two Utah hospitals have notified thousands of patients that they may have been exposed to hepatitis C virus linked to an infected nurse with a history of drug diversion.
Zika 101: Prime threat for the pregnant
Employee health professionals should advise healthcare workers who are pregnant to strongly reconsider any travel south of the border due to the emergence of mosquito-borne Zika virus.
Patient safety experts: Protect and support the healthcare workforce
A new report by some of the nation’s leading patient safety advocates shows strong support for the healthcare workforce, saying protecting patients must begin with protecting their caregivers.
25% of HCWs may refuse to treat patients in next pandemic threat
Based on the historical precedents of HIV/AIDS and Ebola, some 25% of healthcare workers may refuse to treat patients with the next novel pandemic pathogen that is perceived as life-threatening, researchers report in a fascinating new attitudinal study.
Vaccinated HCWs acquire measles, expose patients, co-workers
The resurgence of measles continues to vex employee health professionals, as recently published research emphasizes that even immunized healthcare workers can still acquire the virus and expose co-workers and patients.
Employee health stays on track, but is there a bridge out ahead?
Results of the annual Hospital Employee Health Salary Survey and Career Report show that 80% of respondents have worked in healthcare for 25 years or longer, though most of them not strictly in employee health.
Boston hospital pays record amount for drug diversion allegations
Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston has agreed to pay the United States $2.3 million to resolve allegations that lax controls enabled MGH employees to divert controlled substances for personal use.
Is your staff immune to measles?
Employee health professionals should ensure the all staff have immunity to measles, as some 9 million U.S. children are susceptible to a virus that can cause chaotic outbreaks in healthcare facilities.