RISKS WITH BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS AMONG NURSING PROFESSIONALS AT A UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Abstract

Occupational accidents with exposure to biological materials (ATEMB) represent a serious problem for health professionals, among them the nursing team for having direct and frequent contact with the patient. Factors such as stress, work overload, low wages, inadequate materials contribute to the higher number of ATEMB. Objective: The objective of this study was to characterize the profile of the professionals who suffered ATEMB and the profile of the biological accidents highlighting the possible causes of ATEMB in the Emergency Room of the Hospital de Clínicas of the Federal University of Uberlândia. Method: this is a prospective, descriptive study with a quantitative approach carried out with nursing professionals. A structured questionnaire was used with 35 questions involving the proposed theme. Results: The results show that the professional category that had the most accidents was the nursing technician, and that the work overload/pressure added to the lack of use of PPE when performing the technique were the main causes of ATEMB. Final considerations: the research showed that the main cause of ATEMB was attributed to work overload / haste, emergency, inadequate material and stress, as well as the non-use of PPE. We understand that risk behaviors such as inadequate use of PPE, lack of manual dexterity, haste, improvisation of materials, fatigue, distraction, and inadequate packaging of waste are preponderant factors for ATEMB. The objective of the study was achieved, but it is understood that further research should be conducted with the purpose of knowing and investigating more deeply the risk behaviors that lead workers to ATEMBs.