A nurse who experienced a potential needlestick injury is anxious and frustrated that providers did not offer PEP, and feels she had to beg for even basic blood work follow-up.

Existing occupational health protocols rely on provider discretion and do not adequately address the emotional distress and communication gaps for healthcare workers after potential exposures; there is no standardized decision-support tool that incorporates worker anxiety and ensures transparent, protocol-driven follow-up.

Severity

4High

Willingness to Pay

implied

Added

Jul 9, 2026

Workarounds Described

had to beg provider for blood work
consulted primary care doctor separately for second opinion
posted on Reddit for advice instead of relying on institutional protocol

Implied Software Gaps

Standardized decision-support tool for PEP eligibility that incorporates worker-reported exposure details
Automated post-exposure follow-up coordination that does not depend on worker self-advocacy

App Concept

SafeStick Exposure Navigator

A mobile app that guides healthcare workers through a post-exposure risk assessment using CDC protocols, generates a personalized recommendation for PEP and follow-up, and provides real-time emotional support resources. It syncs with employee health records to auto-schedule blood work and sends reminders, reducing reliance on rushed urgent care visits and empowering workers with clear, evidence-based next steps.

Key Features

Step-by-step exposure risk calculator based on CDC guidelines and source patient data
Automated scheduling and reminders for follow-up blood work and appointments
Secure messaging with occupational health providers for real-time consultation
Integrated mental health support resources and peer community for post-exposure anxiety

Target Users: Healthcare workers (nurses, phlebotomists, lab techs) in hospitals and clinics who experience needlestick or sharps injuries

Revenue Model: $1,000/year per facility flat fee for unlimited employee access, or $5/month per user for individual subscriptions if sold directly to workers

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