Health care workers' action strategies in situations that involve a risk of blood exposure

Abstract

• Previous research shows that health care workers (HCWs) often act in a risky way in blood-exposure situations, and thereby run the risk of becoming infected by blood-borne pathogens. • A qualitative study was conducted in order to describe factors that influence HCWs' actions in such situations. Nurses and nursing assistants were interviewed. • The analysis shows that HCWs perceive that there is a conflict among different demands. These demands are protecting the patient's privacy, protecting themselves from being infected and respecting the norms of the department. • The process of managing this conflict is labelled 'balancing', which most often results in the choice of a diagnosis-related strategy.