Management of bloodborne pathogen exposures in primary care: A quality improvement project

Exposure to bloodborne pathogens poses a serious risk to healthcare workers. As more primary care providers are being asked to perform occupational health services, the evaluation and treatment of bloodborne pathogen (BBP) exposures can be overwhelming. Lack of knowledge about how to handle these encounters can lead to poor outcomes, including conversion to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus if not handled properly. To assist providers with understanding best practices for the management of exposures, a detailed protocol and targeted education were developed. The protocol addressed the importance of evaluating the source patient for HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus; injured workers were assessed for the same items, tetanus status, and the need for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). A retrospective chart review for 12 months before the implementation of the protocol and eight months after implementation was completed to assess compliance with five evidence-based criteria and the appropriate use of PEP when indicated. Variables of interest included (a) correct identification of the source patient, (b) accuracy of source patient labs, (c) completion of same-day employee labs, (d) accuracy of employee labs, and (e) evaluation of the employee's tetanus status. The rate of completion of these categories ranged from 14% to 43% in pre-protocol cases ( n = 7), and 100% in post-protocol cases ( n = 7). The combination of targeted education and a detailed protocol for evaluating and treating BBP exposures resulted in increased compliance with best-practice care; the project also improved employee satisfaction.