Recommendations for health workers exposed to biological fluids

Abstract

This study aims to organize health actions based on the experience of health professionals exposed to biological fluids in the city of Curitiba, Brazil. Specific goals are to identify biological factors of exposure and to elaborate health recommendations proposed by the former workers. It is an exploratory and descriptive study with a qualitative approach. The focus group technique was used to collect data and the subjects' speeches were discussed and submitted to thematic analysis. Four empiric categories emerged from these analyses. Qualitative analysis included the elaboration of a recommendation matrix aiming for prevention, intervention and follow-up of the workers. Recommendation proposals to Health Services were made by using a recommendation matrix. In summary, we notice that health work organization is the main factor related to health workers' exposure to biological fluids. This study also shows that institutions, health care units and State departments should work together in order to prevent such accidents among health workers.