[Needle sticks injuries among health care workers in emergency medical centers in Tehran University of Medical Sciences Hospitals [2007-2010]]

Today, Needle Stick Injuries [NSI] are very important occupational hazards experienced by healthcare workers lead to exposure to blood-borne viruses especially hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. The aim of this study was to determine needle sticks injuries among health care workers in emergency medical centers in Tehran University of Medical Sciences hospitals [2007- 2010]. In this descriptive study 991 health care workers worked in emergency wards in Tehran University of Medical Sciences hospitals were followed for needle stick events from 2007 to 2010. Sampling method was census. Data were collected by a researcher-made questionnaire consisted of 32 questions included demographic variables and NSI included the event that leads to needle stick injuries. Content and face validity and also test-retest reliability [r = 0/71] were measured and data was analyzed by SPSS 16. The study population reported 167 needle stick injuries during the study period [167 health care workers exposure group, 554 health care workers not exposure group]. Incidence rate of NSI was 16/85%. Majority of subjects in exposure group were female [50/89%], married [52/69%] and nurse [53/2%] and also the mean age was 35/3 +/- 6/4. In most cases, needles [55/08%] and vein catheter [22/75%] were responsible for injuries. IV access [24/7%] and recapping of needles [23/3%] were most common action resulted to exposure. There weren't statistically significant different in demographic variables except working experience between exposure groups and not exposure group. According to the results of this study, incidence rate of NSI among HCWs worked in emergency wards in TUMS less than other studies in different countries. This might be an indication of inadequate reporting. It is suggested that, NSI in hospitals should be managed through obtaining an appropriate reporting system and organizing blood and body fluid exposure surveillance system

[CPCR education workshop effect on nurses' knowledge based on AHA [2010] guideline]

Cardio-Pulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation [CPCR] is a systematic and purposeful series of action has been using by nurses for restoring the vital function of central body organs such as heart, lung and brain. Apply of teaching is a numerous recommended method for improving nurses knowledge and skill related to PCPR in majority of published papers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assessment of CPCR educational workshops effect on nurses knowledge based on American Heart Association [AHA] guideline that has been done in 2010. Using a quasi-experimental study, the knowledge level of 130 nurses of Tehran university medical sciences was assessed in three steps including before, after, and 2 months later of holding the teaching workshop. Using a 20-item questionnaire on basic, advanced cardiac life support and CPCR according to AHA 2010 guideline, data were gathered. The method of teaching workshop was two integrated sections including lecturing and practical demonstration on basic and advanced CPCR concept during two days [16 hr]. Using SPSS, the data were analyzed by applying descriptive and analytical statistical tests. The discrepancy of average knowledge scores related to basic and advanced before teaching workshop [8.6], after [14.9], and 2 month later to the workshop [13.2] indicated the effect of teaching workshop. Comparing the means of the pre-test, post-test and test after 2 months was statistically significant. Nevertheless, in some parts such as on time applying of defibrillation and do the first step in patient with cardio respiratory arrest had the minimal effect from teaching workshop. Since the results indicated that the teaching workshop on basic and advanced CPCR can improve nursing related knowledge; therefore, holding the similar means as theoretical and practical courses in a regular base is recommended