Report of the DSHEFS (Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations and Field Studies) Task Force on Hospital Worker Health

摘要

The Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations and Field Studies (DSHEFS) Task Force on Hospital Worker Health was established to identify needed research and establish priorities in the area of hospital employee health concerns. The literature was reviewed, and work in progress was examined to determine which exposures represent potential hazards to hospital workers. Surveillance systems for morbidity, mortality, reproductive effects, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, (AIDS), and exposure were reviewed. Recommendations of the task force include the following: acquire information on exposure of hospital workers to chemicals, biological and physical hazards; determine if hospital workers are at increased risk of developing AIDS, and develop a standard code of practice for caring for AIDS patients; establish a cohort of all hospital workers; perform a general morbidity study; carry out biological monitoring and medical screening programs continuously; investigate health effects from exposure to combinations of agents; explore the possibility of an increased risk for diabetes mellitus among some hospital workers.