European recommendations for the management of healthcare workers occupationally exposed to hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus | National Resource for Infection Control (NRIC)

Review

Abstract:

Representatives of nine European countries participated in a project funded by the European Commission to implement and standardise a rational management of occupational exposure to HIV, HBV and HCV among healthcare workers in Europe. The consensus document includes recommendations for the general management of occupational risk of bloodborne infections, HBV vaccination and management of HBV and HCV exposures. The recommendations include proposals for: - · General policies · Educational programmes and training · Reporting an occupational exposure · HBV vaccination and definitions · Management of isolated anti-HBc · Management of HbsAg-positive and HCV-Ab-positive HCWs · Management of occupational exposures A description of the recommendations for HIV vaccination and management, including antiretroviral prophylaxis is published as a separate article (Towards a standard HIV post exposure prophylaxis for healthcare workers in Europe. Eurosurveillance 2004;9:40-43) Exposure prevention is the primary strategy to reduce the risk of occupational blood borne pathogen infection in healthcare workers.

Authors:

V PuroG De CarliS CicaliniF SoldaniU BalslevJ BegovacL BoaventuraM Campins MartíMJ Hernández NavarreteR KammerlanderC LarsenF LotS LundingU MarcusL PayneAA PereiraT Thomas G Ippolito

Link:

https://www.eurosurveillance.org/content/10.2807/esm.10.10.00573-en

Category:

Control

Epidemiology

Management

Prevention

Treatment

Expert Review

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Summary:

Representatives of nine European countries participated in a project funded by the European Commission to implement and standardise a rational management of occupational exposure to HIV, HBV and HCV among healthcare workers in Europe.The consensus document includes recommendations for the general management of occupational risk of bloodborne infections, HBV vaccination and management of HBV and HCV exposures.The recommendations include proposals for: -· General policies· Educational programmes and training· Reporting an occupational exposure· HBV vaccination and definitions· Management of isolated anti-HBc· Management of HbsAg-positive and HCV-Ab-positive HCWs· Management of occupational exposuresA description of the recommendations for HIV vaccination and management, including antiretroviral prophylaxis is published as a separate article (Towards a standard HIV post exposure prophylaxis for healthcare workers in Europe. Eurosurveillance 2004;9:40-43)Exposure prevention is the primary strategy to reduce the risk of occupational blood borne pathogen infection in healthcare workers.

Questions Addressed:

The consensus document includes recommendations for the general management of occupational risk of bloodborne infections, HBV vaccination and management of HBV and HCV exposures.

Type of Study:

Review

Methods Valid:

Yes

Methods Valid Detail:

Consensus document from the European project “Standardization of the management of occupational exposure to HIV/bloodborne infections and evaluations of post-exposure prophylaxis in Europe” (Project number 2000/SID/107)

Results Reliability:

Yes

Problems or Biases:

UK was one of the nine European countries that participated but not aware that this consensus document has been incorporated into UK policy. NRIC would welcome comments from the infection control community on this issue.

Relevant Studies:

Towards a standard HIV post exposure prophylaxis for healthcare workers in Europe. Eurosurveillance 2004;9:40-43 https://www.eurosurveillance.org/content/10.2807/esm.10.10.00573-en

Keywords:

Hepatitis B hepatitis C blood borne virus occupational health

Reviewer Name:

Sue Wiseman

Reviewer Post:

Nurse Consultant –Infection Control, DH

Reviewer Affiliations:

Member Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens Health Protection Adviser Royal College of Nursing P/T Member Infection Control Nurses Association