A Qualitative Study Evaluating the Occupational Safety and Health Management System from Perspective of Health Workers Exposure to Blood-Borne Pathogen

Objective The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Occupational Safety and Health Management System (OSHMS) in preventing and managing occupational blood-borne pathogen exposure (OBPE) among health workers (HWs), and to develop integrated strategies for improvement. Methods A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 55 HWs from a tertiary hospital in western China who had experienced OBPE in the preceding year. Data were collected via telephone and face-to-face interviews. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically using NVivo 12.0. Results A total of 129 OBPE incidents were documented among 120 HWs in one year, with early-career staff at highest risk. Among the 55 participants, 47 reported at least one OBPE incident. Only 60% were aware of their immune status prior to exposure, and low hepatitis B vaccination coverage and serological testing awareness were noted. Psychological impacts included anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders, with 18 HWs experiencing significant mental distress. Current hospital measures included organizational management, training, cultural initiatives, and technological improvements. However, gaps were identified in reporting efficiency, psychological support accessibility, financial barriers to prophylaxis, low HBV vaccination and serological monitoring uptake, and inadequate follow-up compliance (70.11%). Suggestions included implementing standardized protocols, simplifying reporting procedures, enhancing psychological services, providing free vaccinations, and fostering a non-punitive safety culture. Conclusion OBPE remains a significant occupational hazard with multifaceted impacts. Despite some management advances, critical gaps persist in reporting, PEP access, routine monitoring, and psychological support. Effective mitigation requires a multidimensional strategy within a strengthened OSHMS. Further mixed-methods studies with larger samples are needed to inform sustainable national prevention guidelines.