Application of Healthcare Failure Mode and Effects Analysis system to reduce occupational exposure to HIV for surgical medical staff

Objective To investigate the application of the Healthcare Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (HFMEA) system to reduce occupational exposure of HIV for surgical staff. Methods Based on the method of HFMEA system utilization, the occupational exposure prevention team for surgical medical staff had been set up to analyze the failure mode and the causes of potential risks, and to calculate the Risk Priority Number (RPN). In this study some improvement measures had been carried out, aiming at the failure mode and priority problems.We counted and implemented circumstances of exposure before and after the HFMEA implementation, and evaluated the appraisement of surgical staffs for the implementation of HFMEA. Results Before administration of HFMEA, twenty two HIV-infected patients were admitted in our institution, of which six patients caused occupational exposure, five cases of blood-borne exposure, and one cases of mucous membrane exposure. After administration of HFMEA, thirty HIV-infected patients were admitted, of which only one patient caused occupational exposure, for blood-borne exposed type.The exposure rate before and after HFMEA administration had statistical significance (χ2=4.36, P<0.05). Surgical staffs rendered a positive appraisement for HFMEA administration and 32 (100) staffs recommended it to enhance the recognition of HIV patients contact safety protection and minimize HIV occupational exposure. Conclusions Could reduce occupational exposure rate for surgical medical staff by usage of HFMEA to evaluate and reduce occupational exposure of HIV patients, safe injection, personal protective equipment and medical waste management. Key words: HIV; Occupational exposure; Healthcare Failure Mode and Effects Analysis; Medical staff