Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026

Emergency Undocking in Robotic Surgery: A Simulation Curriculum
Published on: May 20, 2018
Healthcare worker safety: a vital component of surgical capacity development in low-resource settings
Robin T Petroze1, Elayne K Phillips, Albert Nzayisenga
1Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
Introduction:
A disparate number of occupational exposures to bloodborne pathogens occur in low-income countries where disease prevalence is high and healthcare provider-per-population ratios are low.
Methods:
In an effort to highlight the important role of healthcare worker safety in surgical capacity building in Rwanda, we measured self-reported presence of safety materials and compliance with personal protective equipment in the operating theatre as part of a nationwide survey to characterize emergency and essential surgical capacity in all government hospitals.
Results:
We surveyed 44 hospitals. While staff report general availability of safe disposal of sharps and hazardous waste, presence of and compliance with eye protection was lacking. Staff were cognizant of prevention measures such as double-gloving and 'safe receptacles', as well as hospital policies for post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV following needlesticks, but there was little awareness of hepatitis exposure.
Conclusions:
Healthcare worker safety should be a key component of hospital-level surgical capacity.
Related Concept Videos
Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
Asepsis
Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is limited...
PPE Use in Healthcare Settings I: Donning
PPE Use in Healthcare Settings II: Doffing