Authors
Chithra Valsana, Jane Paulb, Praveenlal Kuttichirac, Resmi Vargheseb, Sophiya Josephb
a. Department of Microbiology, Jubilee Mission Medical College & RI, Thrissur
b. Infection Control Team, Jubilee Mission Medical College & RI, Thrissur
c. Department of Psychiatry, Jubilee Mission Medical College & RI, Thrissur
Abstract
Background: Needle stick injuries (NSI)s involve loss of economy at different levels to an institution which is often not addressed
in many of the related studies. An assessment of such issues in terms of the money involved can actually help in planning cost
effective strategies in preventing them by policy makers and hence we decided to conduct this study
Objectives: We attempted to find out the direct and indirect costs involved in managing the occupational exposures by the institu-
tion during a 2 year period
Materials and Method: This was a retrospective observational study on all the reported cases of occupational exposures (OEs)
to health care workers (HCWs) that had occurred during the study period. Direct and indirect costs involved were calculated as
per the CDC definition.
Results: We found that on an average each occupational exposure costs INR 4791 to the in-stitution in total which include INR
3556 and INR 1235 as direct and indirect costs respectively.
Discussion: The economic burden on the institution in managing occupational exposures to HCWs is considerable and warrants
implementation of effective preventive strategies to minimize this loss. The results of the present study represent issues faced by
any similar establishment in a developing country and can be used to plan cost effective intervention strategies
Keywords: Needle stick injuries, Direct costs of NSI, Indirect costs of NSI, Occupational exposures