Order from us for quality, customized work in due time of your choice.
Problem description
In dental care, allergic reactions to natural rubber latex (NRL) stem from staff members and patients exposure to NRL-containing supplies, such as examination gloves and dental dams. Current safety-oriented guidelines regarding medical supplies limit the use of powdered NRL gloves. However, supplies that are not hypoallergic are still in use, and repeated exposure to NRL might lead to cases of occupational latex allergy. Risk assessments are not always enough to prevent clients from developing allergies due to the risks of receiving incomplete or incorrect information on patients risk factors for NRL hypersensitivity. NRL allergy symptoms range from mild mucous membrane irritation to breathing difficulties or anaphylactic reaction, so reducing the threat of allergies is crucial.
Solution 1: allergy testing for new employees, staff education, and regular health surveillance for employees
S By educating staff members on NRL allergy risks, it is possible to increase their general self-care knowledge, including optimal glove rash treatment strategies and self-assessment questions. Regular ENT and dermatological assessments can support health by facilitating the early detection of both allergic and non-allergic skin diseases.
W Teaching program development will require substantial funds and external specialists assistance. The health surveillance program can also be a financial burden since profound assessments will be needed for each employee contacting with latex-containing supplies.
O New measures can improve employees attitudes to the facilitys management, thus increasing the chances of positive feedback in informal conversations with other potential employees. The innovative health assessment program will enable the facility to differentiate itself from other employers in the area.
T NRL allergy affects less than one-third of healthcare employees, so assessments for all staff members might be a stranded investment. External specialists (ENT doctors/dermatologists) contacts with staff members might lead to unintended information spillovers.
Solution 2: procurement policies to create a latex-free clinical environment
S The two strengths indicate the strategys ability to minimize the risks of NRL allergies in both providers and patients simultaneously.
W To achieve a new status, the facility will need to remove the remaining NRL-containing supplies from clinical use, whereas purchasing only hypoallergic products will inflict extra expenses.
O Becoming a latex-free environment can improve the facilitys reputation as a service that values patient safety. The exclusion of NRL-containing supplies from the purchasing list will eliminate the need for allergy risk assessments in patients, which may speed up clinical processes.
T Given the potential need for relationships with new suppliers, there are always the threats of choosing disreputable manufacturers or signing poorly analyzed and unfavorable contracts.
Solution 3: no change to current practices
S The strong sides of changing nothing to the current procedures are the absence of expenses associated with internal teaching programs and the analysis of procurement practices.
W The weaknesses are employees varying quality of decision-making and the need for checking each patients anamnesis and asking questions to decide on the safety of NRL-containing supplies.
O Current practices enable the facility to meet the Federal Drug Administrations requirements concerning powdered latex gloves and will support it in continuing business relationships with long-term partners.
T Risk assessment procedures are imperfect since allergic reactions do not always develop immediately after exposure to NRL. Patients inability to recognize and report factors that predispose them to NRL hypersensitivity, such as food allergies, is another risk.
Order from us for quality, customized work in due time of your choice.