Health care and medical technology in Nigeria. An appraisal

Hospital workers' opinions on the predisposing factors to blood-related work accidents in Central Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

INTRODUCTION

Hospital workers are prone to accidental injuries during their day-to-day activities at work. These accidental injuries are of importance because many of these predispose the workers to blood-borne infections.

METHODS

A total of 242 hospital workers at Central Hospital, Benin City, Edo State participated in a cross-sectional study carried out between June and August 1999 aimed at finding out the predisposing factors to blood-related work accidents. The study group consisted of 53 doctors, 34 laboratory workers and 155 nurses. All doctors and laboratory workers at Central Hospital were involved in the study, while 50% of the nursing population were involved in the study. The nurses were selected using a stratified random sampling method. The respondents completed a pretested self-administered questionnaire.

RESULTS

The results showed that the four main factors responsible for accidents among the hospital workers were: non-availability of protective measures; desire to hasten the procedure; type of procedure; and use of inadequate/inappropriate equipment. The major factor responsible for accidents at work among hospital workers was non-availability of protective measures.

RECOMMENDATIONS

It is therefore recommended that adequate materials and equipment should be provided. This study could be further validated using a qualitative study design (focus group discussions).

Perioperative nurses' roles in managing new technology

The scientific knowledge base for medical technology doubles every two years. Whether new technologies will improve health care depends on how appropriately they are used; therefore, purchasing appropriate technology is crucial. Appropriate technologies include those that are valid, adaptable, acceptable, and affordable. Perioperative nurses can facilitate acquisition and use of appropriate technology in the OR by applying the process of technology assessment--a five-step process that examines the need, safety, effectiveness and efficacy, economic appraisal, and social impact of new technology. This article details the technology assessment process and provides methods of preparing perioperative staff members to use new technology.