Robyn Gershon

Clinical Professor of Epidemiology

Professional overview

Dr. Gershon is an interdisciplinary occupational and environmental health and safety researcher with extensive experience in the areas of disaster preparedness, healthcare safety, and risk assessment and management in high-risk work occupations. She earned her doctorate in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University, School of Public Health, where she was on faculty for several years.  

Subsequently, Dr. Gershon was a Professor at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, with a joint appointment in the School of Nursing.

At the Mailman School, she also served as the Associate Dean for Research and was the Director of the Mentoring Program. Her most recent faculty appointment prior to joining NYU GPH was Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and the Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). She was also an Adjunct Professor in the UCSF School of Nursing, as well as at UC Berkeley where she taught public health disaster courses.

Dr. Gershon and her team conducted numerous ground breaking studies to develop and test new metrics of preparedness. Importantly, Dr. Gershon’s work has influenced the adoption of safe work practices and regulatory control measures, such as national needlestick prevention guidelines and high-rise building fire safety laws. Her numerous research studies encompass a wide range of topics, including, (to name a few): bloodborne pathogen exposure; hospital safety climate; psychosocial work stress in law enforcement; “ability and willingness” of essential workforce employees to report to duty during natural and man-made disasters; preparedness of responders for terrorist incidents; emergency high–rise building evacuation- (including the World Trade Center Evacuation Study); emergency preparedness of the elderly and disabled; mass fatality management infrastructure in the US; adherence to emergency public health measures among the general public;  hearing loss risk in subway ridership; and noise exposure in urban populations.

Dr. Gershon recently completed a four-year, longitudinal intervention NIH-funded study on motivation and persistence in pursuing STEM research careers among underrepresented doctoral students. (the BRIDGE Project). 

As a committed advocate for junior faculty and graduate students, Dr. Gershon will play an active role in research mentorship and advisement. 

Education

BS, Medical Technology, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT

MHS, Medical Microbiology, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT

DrPH, Environmental and Occupational Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Honors and awards

Recipient, American Society of Safety Engineers, Membership Award, Oakland, CA (2016)

Recipient, John L. Ziegler Capstone Mentor Award, Global Health Sciences, University of California San Francisco (2015)

Recipient, City of New York Fire Commissioner's Special Commendation Certificate of Appreciation (2006)

Recipient, Survivors' Salute, World Trade Center Survivors' Network (2006)

Recipient, Annual International Sharps Injury Prevention Award (2005)

Delta Omega (Public Health) Honorary Society (1997)

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (Microbiology) (1976)

Lambda Tau Mu Honor Society (Laboratory Science) (1976)

Areas of research and study

Disaster Health

Disaster Impact and Recovery

Disaster Preparedness

Environmental Public Health Services

Epidemiology

Healthcare Safety

Occupational Health

Risk Assessment and Management

Publications

Publications

Hepatitis B vaccination in correctional health care workers

Gershon, R. R., Mitchell, C., Sherman, M. F., Vlahov, D., Lears, M. K., Felknor, S., & Lubelczyk, R. A. (n.d.).

Publication year

2005

Journal title

American Journal of Infection Control

Volume

33

Issue

9

Page(s)

510-518

10.1016/j.ajic.2005.04.245

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Data on bloodborne pathogen risk among health care workers (HCWs) employed in the correctional setting are sparse, even though the prevalence of bloodborne infections, including hepatitis B virus (HBV), among inmates is high. To address this, we determined prevalence and correlates of hepatitis B virus vaccination status in correctional health care workers (CHCWs) employed in 3 state correctional health care facilities. Methods: A confidential, self-administered cross-sectional survey was performed. Results: Four hundred eleven (69.8%) of 588 eligible participants completed the survey. Of these, 264 (64.2%) reported receiving a primary hepatitis B (HB) vaccine series. Vaccination rates varied by state and by job category. Parenteral exposures were not uncommon; 8.6% (n = 24) of clinical CHCWs and 2.0% (n = 7) of nonclinical CHCWs reported one or more needlesticks in the 6-month period prior to the study. Among clinical staff, vaccination correlated with licensure (RN or MD) and race (white) and in nonclinical staff with history of close contact with HBV infected inmates and with needlestick injury. Conclusion: Although the HB vaccination rate among CHCWs was generally high, given their potential risk of exposure to HBV, universal vaccination should be encouraged and should include those nonclinicians with job duties that may involve potential exposure to blood/body fluids.

Public transportation: Advantages and challenges

Gershon, R. R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2005

Journal title

Journal of Urban Health

Volume

82

Issue

1

Page(s)

7-9

10.1093/jurban/jti003

Reports of intimate partner violence made against police officers

Erwin, M. J., Gershon, R. R., Tiburzi, M., & Lin, S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2005

Journal title

Journal of Family Violence

Volume

20

Issue

1

Page(s)

13-19

10.1007/s10896-005-1505-3

Abstract

Abstract

The purpose of this case control study was to compare police officers (n = 106) from a large urban police force, charged with committing intimate partner violence (IPV) with officers who were not charged (n = 105), in order to identify risk factors for IPV. We also compared the frequency, type, and final disposition of IPV reports filed against police officers before and after the enactment of the 1994 Violence against Women Act (VAWA). Officers accused of IPV were more likely to be members of a minority, on the force more than 7 years and assigned to a high crime district. No major differences on intake baseline MMPI scores were noted between cases and controls. A significant increase in reports of IPV was noted after the enactment of VAWA; the rate changed from 0.2/100 to 1.2/100 person years, although there were too few pre-1994 reports to compare further. Most of the final dispositions of the cases resulted in cases closed due to unsupported testimony from victims.

Risk of tuberculosis in correctional healthcare workers

Mitchell, C. S., Gershon, R. R., Lears, M. K., Vlahov, D., Felknor, S., Lubelczyk, R. A., Sherman, M. F., & Comstock, G. W. (n.d.).

Publication year

2005

Journal title

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Volume

47

Issue

6

Page(s)

580-586

10.1097/01.jom.0000161738.88347.e4

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, incidence, and risk factors for occupational infection with tuberculosis among healthcare workers employed in correctional facilities. Methods: The authors conducted a self-administered survey, clinical interview, and tuberculin skin testing. Results: The overall tuberculin skin test point prevalence rate was 17.7%, the reactivity rate was 2.2%, and the annual incidence was 1.3%. At the multivariate level, after controlling for bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccination, only origin of birth remained significantly associated with prevalence of tuberculosis infection. Conclusions: Although the prevalence of tuberculin reactivity was high in this population, the risk factors were predominantly demographic rather than occupational. Nevertheless, continued vigilance to control occupational exposure to this and other respiratory pathogens is warranted, given the potential for future outbreaks of tuberculosis, as well as other known and emerging airborne pathogens.

Clinicians' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Concerns Regarding Bioterrorism after a Brief Educational Program

Gershon, R. R., Qureshi, K. A., Sepkowitz, K. A., Gurtman, A. C., Galea, S., & Sherman, M. F. (n.d.).

Publication year

2004

Journal title

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Volume

46

Issue

1

Page(s)

77-83

10.1097/01.jom.0000105903.25094.e6

Abstract

Abstract

We conducted this study to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and intended behaviors of New York City clinicians regarding bioterrorism-related diseases after a brief educational program. Data on clinicians' knowledge and attitudes toward bioterrorism and related diseases were collected using a self-administered questionnaire following a 3.5-hour educational program. Participants (n = 310, 82% response rate) reported increased confidence in recognizing symptoms of bioterrorism-related diseases (89%), in addressing patients' bioterrorism concerns (83%), and ability to treat bioterrorism victims (75%). Despite a high level of confidence in the efficacy of infection control precautions, participants' knowledge scores regarding safe work practices suggest that additional education is warranted. Educational programs are useful in enhancing the public health response to bioterrorism and its consequences.

Effectiveness of an emergency preparedness training program for public health nurses in New York City

Qureshi, K. A., Gershon, R. R., Merrill, J. A., Calero-Breckheimer, A., Murrman, M., Gebbie, K. M., Moskin, L. C., May, L., Morse, S. S., & Sherman, M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2004

Journal title

Family and Community Health

Volume

27

Issue

3

Page(s)

242-249

10.1097/00003727-200407000-00011

Abstract

Abstract

A public health workforce that is competent to respond to emergencies is extremely important. We report on the impact of a training program designed to prepare public health nurses to respond appropriately to emergencies. The program focused on the basic public health emergency preparedness competencies and the emergency response role of public health workers employed by the New York City School Department of Health and Mental Hygiene School Health Program. The evaluation methods included pre/post-testing followed by a repeat post-test one month after the program. The program resulted in positive shirts in both knowledge and emergency response attitudes.

Job loss, unemployment, work stress, job satisfaction, and the persistence of posttraumatic stress disorder one year after the september 11 attacks

Nandi, A., Galea, S., Tracy, M., Ahern, J., Resnick, H., Gershon, R., & Vlahov, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

2004

Journal title

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Volume

46

Issue

10

Page(s)

1057-1064

10.1097/01.jom.0000141663.22902.0a

Abstract

Abstract

The influence of unemployment and adverse work conditions on the course of psychopathology after a mass disaster is unclear. We recruited a representative sample of adults living in the New York City metropolitan area six months after the September 11 attacks and completed follow-up interviews on 71% of the baseline sample six months later (N = 1939). At follow-up, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) persisted in 42.7% of the 149 cases with PTSD at baseline. In multivariable models, unemployment at any time since baseline predicted PTSD persistence in the entire cohort (P = 0.02) and among persons employed at follow-up (P = 0.02). High levels of perceived work stress predicted PTSD persistence among persons employed at follow-up (P = 0.02). Persons unemployed in the aftermath of a disaster may be at risk for poor mental health in the long-term.

Measurement of Organizational Culture and Climate in Healthcare

Gershon, R. R., Stone, P. W., Bakken, S., & Larson, E. (n.d.).

Publication year

2004

Journal title

Journal of Nursing Administration

Volume

34

Issue

1

Page(s)

33-40

10.1097/00005110-200401000-00008

Preliminary results from the World Trade Center evacuation study-New York City

Gershon, R., Hogan, E., Qureshi, K. A., & Doll, L. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2004

Journal title

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

Safety climate: assessing management and organizational influences on safety

DeJoy, D. M., Gershon, R., & Schaffer, B. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2004

Journal title

Professional safety

Terrorism preparedness training for occupational health professionals

Gershon, R. R., Gemson, D. H., Qureshi, K., & McCollum, M. G. (n.d.).

Publication year

2004

Journal title

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Volume

46

Issue

12

Page(s)

1204-1209

10.1097/01.jom.0000147267.75156.a1

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess occupational health professionals' terrorism preparedness and perceptions of worksite readiness. Methods: Questionnaire data were collected at the conclusion of an educational workshop on disaster response. Results: Participants reported increased confidence in clinical skills and the ability to avoid exposure while providing care to victims of terrorist attacks as a result of the workshop. Fewer than one third (32%) of participants reported that their employer was prepared for a bioterrorism attack, and a large percentage (75%) reported feeling unprepared to provide mental health counseling after a terrorist attack. Conclusions: Relatively brief training in terrorism preparedness can increase the confidence of occupational health professionals in their ability to respond to terrorism. Adequate preparedness for the broad range of potential terrorist events may require much more intensive training than is currently being provided to occupational health professionals.

Bloodborne pathogen exposure risk for non-hospital based healthcare workers

Gershon, R. R., Qureshi, K. A., Gurney, C. A., Rosen, J. D., & Hogan, E. K. (n.d.).

Publication year

2002

Journal title

Clinics in Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Volume

2

Issue

3

Page(s)

497-518

10.1016/S1526-0046(02)00022-5

Emergency preparedness training for public health nurses: A pilot study

Qureshi, K. A., Merrill, J. A., Gershon, R. R., & Calero-Breckheimer, A. (n.d.).

Publication year

2002

Journal title

Journal of Urban Health

Volume

79

Issue

3

Page(s)

413-416

10.1093/jurban/79.3.413

Abstract

Abstract

The Columbia Center for Public Health Preparedness, in partnership with the New York City Department of Health, recently developed an emergency preparedness training program for public health workers. A pilot training program was conducted for a group of school health nurses and evaluated using a pre/posttest design. A surprising finding was that 90% of the nurses reported at least one barrier to their ability to report to duty in the event of a public health emergency. The most frequently cited barriers included child/elder care responsibilities, lack of transportation, and personal health issues. These findings suggest that it may be prudent to identify and address potential barriers to public health workforce responsiveness to ensure the availability of the workforce during emergencies.

Infectious disease risk in correctional facility-based healthcare workers

Gershon, R. R., Green-McKenzie, J., & Swetz, A. (n.d.).

Publication year

2002

Journal title

Clinics in Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Volume

2

Issue

3

Page(s)

519-536

10.1016/S1526-0046(02)00020-1

Abstract

Abstract

The prison healthcare setting is a unique healthcare environment. Prison healthcare, although similar in many ways to the acute care setting, has many important and potentially risky differences. Efforts to reduce risk have been intensified; the National Commission of Correctional Healthcare has taken an important leadership role in developing and promoting safe work practices for CHCWs [72, 73]. Many opportunities for improvements exist, and the challenge will be to further reduce risk through the development and implementation of effective risk-control strategies that are tailored to this special healthcare setting.

Prevalence of safer needle devices and factors associated with their adoption: Results of a National Hospital Survey

Sinclair, R. C., Maxfield, A., Marks, E. L., Thompson, D. R., & Gershon, R. R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2002

Journal title

Public Health Reports

Volume

117

Issue

4

Page(s)

340-349

10.1016/S0033-3549(04)50170-X

Abstract

Abstract

Objectives. In this study, we collected and analyzed the first data available on the extent of the adoption of safer needle devices (engineered sharps injury protections [ESIPs]) by U.S. hospitals and on the degree to which selected factors influence the use of this technology. Methods. We gathered data via a telephone survey of a random sample of 494 U.S. hospitals from November 1999 through February 2000. Results. Although 83% of the sample reported some ESIP adoption, adoption was inconsistent across types of devices. All of the appropriate units in 52% of the facilities had adopted needleless intravenous delivery systems, but the hospitals used other types of ESIPs less often. A respondent's perception that the cost of ESIPs would not be a problem for the hospital was the best predictor of adoption of ESIPs in the facility, explaining 8% of the variance. Other predictors of adoption included the size of the hospital and the presence or absence of state legislative activity on the needlestick issue. Conclusions. Smaller hospitals may require special encouragement and assistance from outside sources to adopt expensive risk-reduction innovations such as ESIPs. Although use of ESIPs is the mandated and preferred way to protect workers from needlesticks, complete adoption of this technology will depend on the support of the social systems in which it is used and the people who use it.

Work stress in aging police officers

Gershon, R. R., Lin, S., & Li, X. (n.d.).

Publication year

2002

Journal title

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Volume

44

Issue

2

Page(s)

160-167

10.1097/00043764-200202000-00011

Abstract

Abstract

Data are sparse regarding the impact of psychosocial work stress on the health and well-being of aging workers, even for employees working in high-stress occupations, such as law enforcement. To improve our understanding of this issue in older workers, we assessed and characterized work stress, coping strategies, and stress-related health outcomes in a sample of police officers aged 50 years and older (n = 105). The most important risk factors associated with officers' perceived work stress were maladaptive coping behaviors (eg, excessive drinking or problem gambling) (odds ratio [OR], 4.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.11 to 11.6) and exposure to critical incidents (eg, shootings) (OR, 3.84; 95 % CI, 1.71 to 8.65). In turn, perceived work stress was significantly associated with anxiety (OR, 6.84; 95% CI, 2.81 to 16.65), depression (OR, 9.27; 95% CI, 3.81 to 22.54), somatization (OR, 5.74; 95% CI, 2. 4 7 to 13.33), posttraumatic stress symptoms (OR, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.29 to 6.47), symptoms of "burnout" (OR, 5.93; 95% CI, 2.54 to 13.86), chronic back pain (OR, = 3.55; 95% CI, 1.57 to 8.06), alcohol abuse (OR, 3. 24; 95% CI, 1.45 to 7.22), and inappropriately aggressive behavior (OR, 4.00; 95% CI, 1.34 to 11.88). These data suggest that older workers in high-stress jobs may be at increased risk for work stress-related health problems, especially if they rely on risky health behaviors to cope with stress. Given the size of the rapidly aging US workforce and the likelihood that many are employed in high-stress jobs, interventions are urgently needed to address this emerging public health issue.

Infection control practices among correctional healthcare workers: Effect of management attitudes and availability of protective equipment and engineering controls

Green-McKenzie, J., Gershon, R. R., & Karkashian, C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2001

Journal title

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology

Volume

22

Issue

9

Page(s)

555-559

10.1086/501951

Abstract

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine the relation of the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) and engineering controls to infection control (IC) practices in a prison health care setting, and to explore the effect on IC practices of a perceived organizational commitment to safety. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: The study population was drawn from the 28 regional Correctional Health Care Workers Facilities in Maryland. PARTICIPANTS: All full-time Maryland correctional health care workers (HCWs) were surveyed, and 225 (64%) of the 350 responded. METHOD: A confidential, self-administered questionnaire was mailed to all correctional HCWs employed in the 28 Maryland Correctional Health Care Facilities. The questionnaire was analyzed psychometrically and validated through extensive pilot testing. It included items on three major constructs: IC practices, safety climate (defined as the perception of organizational commitment to safety), and availability of IC equipment and supplies. RESULTS: A strong correlation was found between the availability of PPE and IC practices. Similarly, a strong correlation was found between IC practices and the presence of engineering controls. In addition, an equally strong association was seen between the adoption of IC practices and employee perception of management commitment to safety. Those employees who perceived a high level of management support for safety were more than twice as likely to adhere to recommended IC practices. IC practices were significantly more likely to be followed if PPE was always readily available. Similarly, IC practices were more likely to be followed if engineering controls were provided. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that ready availability of PPE and the presence of engineering controls are crucial to help ensure their use in this high-risk environment. This is especially important because correctional HCWs are potentially at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B and C viruses. Commitment to safety was found to be highly associated with the adoption of safe work practices. There is an inherent conflict of "custody versus care" in this setting; hence, it is especially important that we understand and appreciate the relation between safety climate and IC practices. Interventions designed to improve safety climate, as well as availability of necessary IC supplies and equipment, will most likely prove effective in improving employee compliance with IC practices in this health care setting.

Psychosocial work stress in female funeral service parctitioners

Goldenhar, L. M., Gershon, R., Mueller, C., Karkashian, C., & Swanson, N. (n.d.).

Publication year

2001

Journal title

Equal Opportunities International

Page(s)

17-38

The risk of acquiring hepatitis B or C among public safety workers. A systematic review

Rischitelli, G., Harris, J., McCauley, L., Gershon, R., & Guidotti, T. (n.d.).

Publication year

2001

Journal title

American journal of preventive medicine

Volume

20

Issue

4

Page(s)

299-306

10.1016/S0749-3797(01)00292-6

Abstract

Abstract

Context: Determination of the occupational risk of hepatitis B and C to public safety workers is important in identifying prevention opportunities and has significant legal and policy implications. Objectives: Characterize the risk of occupationally acquired infection: (1) risk of exposure to blood and body fluids, (2) seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C in the source population, and (3) risk of infection after exposure. Data Sources: Electronic search of MEDLINE (1991-1999), HealthStar (1982-1999), and CINAHL (1975-1999) supplemented by selected reference citations and correspondence with authors of relevant articles. Study Selection: Peer-reviewed journal articles (N=702) that addressed the transmission of hepatitis B and C in law enforcement, correctional, fire, emergency medical services, and healthcare personnel were identified. One hundred five (15.0%) articles were selected for full-text retrieval; 72 (68.6%) were selected for inclusion. Data Abstraction: Articles selected for inclusion were abstracted by two reviewers and checked by a third reviewer, using a standard reporting form. Data Synthesis: Evidence tables were constructed, using the standardized abstracts. The tables were designed to summarize data for the key elements of the risk analysis. Conclusions: Data suggest that emergency medical service (EMS) providers are at increased risk of contracting hepatitis B, but data have failed to show an increased prevalence of hepatitis C. EMS providers have exposure risks similar to those of hospital-based healthcare workers. Other public safety workers appear to have lower rates of exposure. Urban areas have much higher prevalence of disease, and public safety workers in those areas are likely to experience a higher incidence of exposure events.

Behavioral-diagnostic analysis of compliance with universal precautions among nurses.

DeJoy, D. M., Searcy, C. A., Murphy, L. R., & Gershon, R. R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Journal of occupational health psychology

Volume

5

Issue

1

Page(s)

127-141

10.1037/1076-8998.5.1.127

Abstract

Abstract

This study used the PRECEDE model (L.W. Green, M.W. Kreuter, S.G. Deeds, & K.B. Partridge, 1980) to examine individual, job-task, and environmental-organizational factors related to compliance with universal precautions (UP) among nurses. Structural equation modeling showed that the hypothesized model did a better job predicting general compliance (R2 = .41) than compliance with personal protective equipment (PPE; R2 = .18). All 3 categories of diagnostic factors (predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing) influenced general compliance, but predisposing factors were relatively unimportant for compliance with PPE. With a set of nested models, the greatest improvement in model fit occurred when the indirect effects of reinforcing factors were added. A positive safety climate may increase the likelihood that the work environment will contain features that enable workers to comply with safe work practices.

Factors affecting universal precautions compliance

McGovern, P. M., Vesley, D., Kochevar, L., Gershon, R. R., Rhame, F. S., & Anderson, E. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Journal of Business and Psychology

Volume

15

Issue

1

Page(s)

149-161

10.1023/A:1007727104284

Abstract

Abstract

This study characterizes levels of self-reported compliance with Universal Precautions (UP) among health care workers (HCWs) at risk of bloodborne exposure. A convenience survey was conducted of 1135 health care workers, expected to be at high risk for transmission of bloodborne pathogens. Using a cross-sectional design and a theoretical model by Gershon et al. (1995) data were analyzed with logistic regression. Factors associated with at least one of the two measures of HCW compliance with UP included longer tenure in one's job, increased knowledge of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission, a conservative attitude toward risky behaviors, a perception of a strong organizational safety climate, and having had some training in the use of personal protective equipment. Knowledge of factors associated with compliance helps to explain why health care workers sometimes exhibit poor compliance despite the real occupational hazard posed by exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Health care workers' experience with postexposure management of bloodborne pathogen exposures: A pilot study

Gershon, R. R., Flanagan, P. A., Karkashian, C., Grimes, M., Wilburn, S., Frerotte, J., Guidera, J., & Pugliese, G. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

American Journal of Infection Control

Volume

28

Issue

6

Page(s)

421-428

10.1067/mic.2000.109907

Abstract

Abstract

Purpose: This descriptive study of health care workers enrolled in a postexposure bloodborne pathogen management program had 3 goals: (1) to characterize their exposure incidents, (2) to assess health care workers' experience with the program, and (3) to identify strategies to improve the management of exposure incidents. Methods: A confidential, self-administered, 5-page survey was mailed to 150 hospital employees who were recently evaluated in the employee health clinic for a blood/body fluid exposure. Results: Sixty-five usable surveys were returned to the study office, representing a 43% response rate. Although the majority of the employees enrolled in the postexposure management program were generally satisfied with the overall quality of care they received, many respondents perceived a lack of social support during the lengthy follow-up period. Long-term distress related to the exposure was not uncommon. The respondents' suggestions for improvement focused on the need for department managers to become more personally involved when their staff members have an exposure incident. Conclusion: These qualitative data suggest that additional studies are needed to assess both the short-term and long-term impact of exposure incidents on the health and well being of affected health care workers. In addition, because of a paucity of information in this area, studies are needed to assess both the effectiveness of the United States Public Health Service recommendations for postexposure management and the degree to which they have been implemented by health care facilities.

Hospital safety climate and its relationship with safe work practices and workplace exposure incidents

Gershon, R. R., Karkashian, C. D., Grosch, J. W., Murphy, L. R., Escamilla-Cejudo, A., Flanagan, P. A., Bernacki, E., Kasting, C., & Martin, L. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

American Journal of Infection Control

Volume

28

Issue

3

Page(s)

211-221

10.1067/mic.2000.105288

Abstract

Abstract

Background: In the industrial setting, employee perceptions regarding their organization's commitment to safety (ie, safety climate) have been shown to be important correlates to both the adoption and maintenance of safe work practices and to workplace injury rates. However, safety climate measures specific to the hospital setting have rarely been evaluated. This study was designed to develop a short and effective tool to measure hospital safety climate with respect to institutional commitment to bloodborne pathogen risk management programs and to assess the relationship between hospital safety climate and (1) employee compliance with safe work practices and (2) incidents of workplace exposure to blood and other body fluids. Methods.' A questionnaire, which included 46 safety climate items, was developed and tested on a sample of 789 hospital-based health care workers at risk for bloodborne pathogen exposure incidents. Results: A 20-item hospital safety climate scale that measures hospitals' commitment to bloodborne pathogen risk management programs was extracted through factor analysis from the 46 safety climate items. This new hospital safety climate scale subfactored into 6 different organizational dimensions: (1) senior management support for safety programs, (2) absence of workplace barriers to safe work practices, (3) cleanliness and orderliness of the work site, (4) minimal conflict and good communication among staff members, (5) frequent safety- related feedback/training by supervisors, and (6) availability of personal protective equipment and engineering controls. Of these, senior management support for safety programs, absence of workplace barriers to safe work practices, and cleanliness/orderliness of the work site were significantly related to compliance (P < .05). In addition, both senior management support for safety programs and frequent safety-related feedback/training were significantly related to workplace exposure incidents (P < .05). Thus the most significant finding in terms of enhancing compliance and reducing exposure incidents was the importance of the perception that senior management was supportive of the bloodborne pathogen safety program. Conclusions: Hospital safety climate with regards to bloodborne pathogens can be measured by using a short, 20-question scale that measures 6 separate dimensions. Whereas all 6 dimensions are essential elements of overall safety climate, 3 dimensions are significantly correlated with compliance, and 1 dimension (senior management support) is especially significant with regard to both compliance and exposure incidents. This short safety climate scale can be a useful tool for evaluating hospital employees' perceptions regarding their organization's bloodborne pathogens management program. In addition, because this scale measures specific dimensions of the safety climate, it can be used to target problem areas and guide the development of intervention strategies to reduce occupational exposure incidents to blood and other body fluids.

Testing the reliability and validity of a measure of safety climate.

Anderson, E., McGovern, P. M., Kochevar, L., Vesley, D., & Gershon, R. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

Journal for healthcare quality : official publication of the National Association for Healthcare Quality

Volume

22

Issue

2

Page(s)

19-24

10.1111/j.1945-1474.2000.tb00111.x

Abstract

Abstract

The lack of compliance with universal precautions (UP) is well documented across a wide variety of healthcare professions and has been reported both before and after the enactment of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard. Gershon, Karkashian, and Felknor (1994) found that several factors correlated significantly with healthcare workers' lack of compliance with UP, including a measure of organizational safety climate (e.g., the employees' perception of their organizational culture and practices regarding safety). We conducted a secondary analysis using data from a cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of 1,746 healthcare workers at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens to assess the validity and reliability of Gershon's measure of safety climate. Findings revealed no relationship between safety climate and employees' gender, age, education, tenure in position, profession, hours worked per day, perceived risk, attitude toward risk, and training. An association was demonstrated between safety climate and (1) healthcare worker compliance with UP and (2) the availability of personal protective equipment, providing support for the construct validity of this measure of safety climate. These findings could be used by occupational health professionals to assess employees' perceptions of the safety culture and practices in the workplace and to guide the institution's risk management efforts in association with U.P.

Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from a cadaver to an embalmer

Sterling, T. R., Pope, D. S., Bishai, W. R., Harrington, S., Gershon, R. R., & Chaisson, R. E. (n.d.).

Publication year

2000

Journal title

New England Journal of Medicine

Volume

342

Issue

4

Page(s)

246-248

10.1056/NEJM200001273420404