Janine Jagger

Janine Jagger

Nationality	American
Known for	Research on needlestick injuries and safety devices
Awards	MacArthur Fellowship

Janine Jagger is an American epidemiologist renowned for her pioneering work in the field of occupational health and safety, particularly in the prevention of needlestick injuries among healthcare workers. Her research has significantly contributed to the development and implementation of safer medical devices, thereby reducing the risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission in healthcare settings.

Early Life and Education

Janine Jagger was born in the United States. She pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee, where she developed an interest in public health. She later obtained her Ph.D. in epidemiology from the University of Virginia, where she began her groundbreaking research on needlestick injuries.

Career and Research

Jagger's career has been primarily associated with the University of Virginia, where she has served as a professor and researcher. Her work in the 1980s and 1990s was instrumental in highlighting the risks associated with needlestick injuries, which were a significant occupational hazard for healthcare workers.

Needlestick Injury Research

Jagger's research focused on the epidemiology of needlestick injuries, identifying the circumstances under which they occurred and the types of devices most often involved. Her studies provided critical data that led to the development of safer needle devices and the implementation of safety protocols in hospitals.

Impact on Policy

The findings from Jagger's research were pivotal in the enactment of the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act in 2000. This legislation mandated the use of safer needle devices in healthcare settings across the United States, significantly reducing the incidence of needlestick injuries.

Awards and Recognition

In recognition of her contributions to public health and safety, Janine Jagger was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship in 2002. This prestigious award, often referred to as a "genius grant," acknowledged her innovative work and its impact on healthcare safety.

Publications

Jagger has authored numerous articles and papers on the subject of needlestick injuries and safety devices. Her work is widely cited in the fields of epidemiology and public health.

Legacy

Janine Jagger's work has left a lasting legacy in the field of occupational health. Her research not only improved the safety of healthcare workers but also set a precedent for the development of safety devices in other industries.

Also see

• Needlestick injury
• Occupational safety and health
• Bloodborne pathogens
• MacArthur Fellowship