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As evidenced in these studies, easily accessible disposable eyewear is vital to improving nursing staff occupational health and safety
Neenah, WI (PRWEB) April 13, 2016
TIDI Products, LLC, a leading manufacturer of clinically differentiated, single-use, infection-prevention products, today cited the presentation of important scientific research at the annual meeting of the American Association of Occupational Healthcare Nurses (AAOHN) in Jacksonville, Florida.
AAOHN is a professional association of more than 5,000 occupational and environmental health nurse practitioners, clinicians, educators, researchers, and managers dedicated to enhancing employee health and safety. Nurses and other staff caring for patients are at increased risk for occupational infection, injury, or illness. The 2016 annual gathering, occurring April 11-14, 2016, has featured a series of presentations offered to help reduce occupational exposure risk.
One such presentation, “Mucocutaneous Eye Exposure Risk on the Rise,” details the increasing rate of eye and conjunctiva exposures in US hospitals. The findings, presented by Dr. Amber Hogan Mitchell, President and Executive Director of the International Safety Center, are founded in data reported by 30 US hospitals from 2012-2014. With statistics from the Center’s Exposure Prevention Information Network (EPINet®), Dr. Mitchell has been able to quantify mucocutaneous blood and body-fluid exposures affecting a variety of body locations, including the highest-risk and frequently under-protected eyes and conjunctiva. Dr. Mitchell reports eye exposures accounted for 65.7% of incidents reported by hospitals in 2014, up from 60.0% in 2012. Simultaneously, those wearing eye-appropriate PPE fell to 2.8% in 2014, down from 8.0% in 2012. Dr. Mitchell concludes healthcare workers remain at risk from unprotected eyes.
Another presentation, “Interdepartmental Collaboration to Reduce Conjunctiva Exposure Risk: Process Improvement to Increase Awareness and Enhance Compliance,” demonstrates the clear value of education and new protocols in reducing eye exposure. Victor R. Lange, Director of Infection Prevention at Alta Hospital Systems in Los Angeles, educated staff in multiple departments about eye infection risk and best-practice prevention strategies. With new PPE procedures adopted and easy access to eyewear, Mr. Lange tracked a 100% reduction in eye splashes compared to the prior 12 months of baseline data, as well as 15 splash “saves” in the first 90 days alone. Mr. Lange concludes collaboration among Infection Prevention, Occupational Health, Nursing Education, and Executive Management provide an opportunity to virtually eliminate eye exposure risk and significantly improve healthcare worker safety.
To assist occupational and environmental health and safety professionals in gaining greater compliance, performance, and protection, TIDI is showcasing the TIDIShield® Grab ‘n Go™ Eye Shields in a point-of-use dispenser at AAOHN 2016. By placing single-use TIDIShield Grab ‘n Go Eye Shields wherever gloves or masks are available, occupational and environmental health and safety managers can help reduce worker infection transmission risk via conjunctiva.
“TIDI Products is dedicated to supporting caregivers and preventing infection. As evidenced in these studies, easily accessible disposable eyewear is vital to improving nursing staff occupational health and safety,” stated TIDI Products Chief Commercial Officer Mark Beran.
AAOHN 2016 attendees may learn more about TIDIShield eyewear by visiting Exhibit Hall Booth #101, immediately inside the hall entrance, through Thursday, April 14th. Additional information about TIDIShield eyewear also is available at http://www.TIDIProducts.com.
About TIDI Products, LLC
TIDI Products, LLC is a leading global manufacturer of innovative, single-use, infection-prevention products and unique, safety-improving interventional equipment. TIDI is committed to supporting caregivers and preventing infections in hospitals, clinics, dental offices, and other healthcare environments. The TIDI Product portfolio ranges from exam table paper, patient capes and gowns, dental bibs, curing light sleeves, intra-oral camera covers, and sterile C-Arm drapes; to protective eyewear, gowns, masks and gloves for staff; to securement products for catheters and other devices. For more information, please visit http://www.TIDIProducts.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
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