Occupational risk prevention in endoscopy units: a pending issue

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Occupational Health
• Endoscopy Procedures

Background:

• Occupational risk prevention measures are crucial in healthcare settings, especially in gastrointestinal endoscopy (GIE) units.
• The extent of adherence to these measures in Spanish GIE units was previously unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate compliance with occupational risk prevention measures in Spanish GIE units.
• To identify factors influencing the implementation of these safety protocols.

Main Methods:

• A validated survey was distributed to 300 GIE units across Spain.
• The survey assessed general measures, disinfection protocols, and examination procedures.
• Hospital characteristics, including type, size, services, and training provision, were analyzed.

Main Results:

• A 65% response rate was achieved, with 196 GIE units participating.
• Over half (53%) of the units complied with less than 50% of the evaluated occupational risk prevention measures.
• Public hospitals showed a significantly higher risk (RR 1.975) of poor compliance compared to private facilities.

Conclusions:

• Adherence to occupational risk prevention measures in Spanish GIE units is insufficient and requires enhancement.
• Public hospitals demonstrate lower compliance rates than private hospitals, highlighting a disparity in safety standards.