Physicians' and Nurses' Views On Infected Health Care Workers

Abstract

This study investigated 204 doctors' and nurses' perceived knowledge of bloodborne pathogens and their attitudes towards bloodborne pathogen-infected health care workers. A structured questionnaire examined: (1) their perceived knowledge of bloodborne pathogens; (2) their attitudes towards bloodborne pathogen-infected personnel; and (3) their opinions on limitation of employment of bloodborne pathogen-infected personnel and restrictions on performing clinical procedures. The levels of HIV-related knowledge were significantly higher than for hepatitis C and B viruses. Although the participants demonstrated more positive attitudes towards hepatitis C- and B-infected health care workers, 64% recommended restricting infected personnel from performing invasive procedures. Attitudes were negatively correlated with opinions on restricting infected personnel from health care work or limiting their involvement in clinical activities. This study highlights the need to formulate a policy to cope with the professional and moral dilemmas related to infected health care workers employed in hospitals, especially for those involved in invasive procedures.

A Quantitative Exploration of Health Care Workers’ Opinions and Attitudes towards HIV-Infected Co-Workers and Patients in Beijing, China

“…from performing invasive procedures. Those identified rigid opinions are similar to the findings in studies conducted in the USA [7] and Israel [8]. Contrary to the major concerns and conservative opinions of the HCWs in our study, many studies conducted elsewhere in the world found that the overall prevalence of HIV infection that occurs through HCW-patient contact is low.…”

“…(2) Opinions about HIV-infected co-workers, containing four dimensions based on Kagan's work regarding managing HIVrelated employment [8]: general attitudes, HIV testing among HCWs, practice restriction, and diagnosis disclosure (9 items in total). Each item includes a statement expressing a rigid opinion against HIV-infected HCWs measured on a 5-point Likert-type scale: 1= Strongly disagree; 2= Disagree; 3= Neutral; 4=Agree; 5=Strongly agree.…”

“…The employment and management of HIV-infected HCWs is a highly debated topic worldwide [6]. Previous international studies [7,8] have indicated that many people have rigid opinions concerning how HIV-infected HCWs should be managed, namely mandatory HIV testing of HCWs, avoidance of performing exposure-prone procedures, and notification of the infection to patients. However, these opinions contradict the UNAIDS recommendations against mandatory testing at recruitment and during employment, restrictions due to HIV/AIDS status, lack of confidentiality regarding HIV/AIDS status, and denial of employment on the grounds of HIV/AIDS status [9].…”

How do healthcare professionals respond to ethical challenges regarding information management? A review of empirical studies

“…Professionals justify the use of these strategies in a variety of ways. In a study conducted by Kagan et al (2008), physicians and nurses said they would require colleagues with a confirmed diagnosis of a blood borne pathogen infection to disclose their medical situation to patients prior to surgery. These professionals claim that such infected colleagues should be restricted from performing invasive surgery since they constitute a danger to patients.…”

The ethics of HIV testing and disclosure for healthcare professionals: What do our future doctors think?

“…Given the lack of knowledge about HIV testing, and the problems with anonymity, patients and HCWs alike, even when knowledgeable in HIV treatment and prevention, are often reluctant to get tested for HIV out of fear that positive test results will affect reputations, employment status and insurance benefits. Although previous studies have critically evaluated both patients' and HCWs' perspectives regarding HIV testing and disclosure (see, for example, Dixon-Mueller 2007;Galletly et al 2008;Kagan et al 2008;Tesoriero et al 2008), there are few recent studies examining medical students' perspectives (see e.g., Evans et al 1993). …”