Reporting Protocol for Bloodborne Pathogen Exposures within Nursing Students with Dr. Jennifer Flood

Abstract: Bloodborne pathogen exposures (BBPEs) and needlestick injuries (NSIs) are one of the most significant and prevalent occupational hazards for healthcare workers (HCWs) (Kunishma et al., 2019). Among HCWs in Canada approximately 70,000 NSIs occur annually (Isada et al., 2018), with nurses and nursing students at particular risk due to frequent encounters with sharps and limited clinical experience (Alfulayw et al., 2021; Black Thomas, 2020; Datar et al., 2022). Underreporting and poor surveillance systems further contribute to delayed assessment and treatment, increasing the risk for negative physical and mental health impacts (Bouya et al., 2020; Cooke & Stephens, 2017). At one college, the absence of a defined reporting procedure and supportive protocol for nursing students experiencing BBPEs during clinical placements was identified as a key gap. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to implement an evidence-based reporting tool and protocol to improve compliance in reporting following BBPEs among nursing students. A QI approach guided implementation, underpinned by the Health Belief Model as a theoretical framework and the Knowledge-to-Action framework as a methodological framework. During the eight-week implementation period no BBPEs occurred; however, the reporting tool and protocol were effectively included in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing student clinical manual. The Practical Nursing and Personal Support Worker programs also identified value in adopting these tools. Collaboration with the college health centre resulted in a defined process to support timely student assessment and treatment following a BBPE.