An Effective Educational Program to Reduce the Frequency of Needle Recapping

1990 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 635-638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce S. Ribner ◽  
Barbara S. Ribner
Keyword(s):  
Educational Program ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Needlestick Injuries

AbstractWe developed an educational program that reported the rate of needle recapping to healthcare workers, in conjunction with emphasis on appropriate disposal procedures. Over 12 months, the rate of recapping needles used for venipuncture and for percutaneous medication injections fell from 61% to 16% (p<.0001). Over the same period, the recapping of needles used primarily for intravenous (IV) administration fell from 44% to 33% (p = .03). Re-evaluation of the rate of recapping eight months later showed a continuation of these lowered rates. Needlestick injuries were too few in number during the study period to detect any change accompanying the decreased recapping rate. We conclude that programs that report back to employees their rate of recapping can significantly reduce this activity in the disposal of needles used for venipuncture and for percutaneous medication injections. While such reporting may reduce the rate of recapping of needles used for IV administration, the effect is not nearly so marked. Modifications in design remain the most promising approach to preventing needlestick injuries from recapping needles used for IV administration.

Effect of Educational Programs, Rigid Sharps Containers, and Universal Precautions on Reported Needlestick Injuries in Healthcare Workers

1991 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 214-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Calvin C. Linnemann ◽  
Constance Cannon ◽  
Martha DeRonde ◽  
Bruce Lanphear
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
General Hospital ◽  
Educational Program ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Needlestick Injuries ◽  
Universal Precautions ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
University Of Cincinnati ◽  
The University

AbstractObjective:To evaluate the effect of infection control programs on reported needlestick injuries in a general hospital.Design:Surveillance of all reported needlestick injuries at the University of Cincinnati Hospital was maintained by the infection control department for five years, from 1985 through 1989. Data on individual workers were collected, tabulated on a monthly basis, and reviewed continually to monitor trends in injuries. During this time, the effects of each of three new infection control programs on reported injuries were evaluated sequentially.Setting:A 700-bed general hospital that serves as the main teaching hospital of the University of cincinnati.Participants:All employees of University Hospital who reported to personnel health for management of needlestick injuries.Interventions:In 1986, an educational program to prevent injuries was initiated and continued throughout the surveillance period. In 1987, rigid sharps disposal containers were placed in all hospital rooms. In 1988, universal precautions were introduced with an intensive inservice.Results:Surveillance identified 1,602 needlestick injuries (320/year) or 104/1 ,000/ year. After the educational program began, reported injuries increased rather than decreased, and this was attributed to increased reporting. Subsequently, after installation of the new disposal containers, reported injuries returned to the levels seen prior to the educational program, but recapping injuries showed a significant decrease from 63/year to 30, or 20/1,000/year to 10. This decrease was observed in nurses but not in other healthcare workers. After universal precautions were instituted, total injuries increased slightly, but recapping injuries remained at 50% of the levels reported prior to the use of rigid sharps disposal containers.Conclusions: The three infection control programs failed to produce a major reduction in reported needlestick injuries, except for a decrease in recapping injuries associated with the placement of rigid sharps disposal containers in all patient rooms. These observations indicate that new approaches are needed to reduce needlestick injuries.

‘Stat’ workflow modifications to expedite care after needlestick injuries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
J L Smith ◽  
R Banerjee ◽  
D R Linkin ◽  
E P Schwab ◽  
P Saberi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Health ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Post Exposure Prophylaxis ◽  
Psychological Consequences ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Needlestick Injuries ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Physical And Psychological Health ◽  
Exposure Prophylaxis

Abstract Background Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is recommended to start within hours of needlestick injuries (NSIs) among healthcare workers (HCWs). Delays associated with awaiting the results of testing from the source patient (whose blood was involved in the NSI) can lead to psychological consequences for the exposed HCW as well as symptomatic toxicities from empiric PEP. Aims After developing a ‘stat’ (immediate) workflow that prioritized phlebotomy and resulting of source patient bloodwork for immediate handling and processing, we retrospectively investigated whether our new workflow had (i) decreased HIV order-result interval times for source patient HIV bloodwork and (ii) decreased the frequency of HIV PEP prescriptions being dispensed to exposed HCWs. Methods We retrospectively analysed NSI records to identify source patient HIV order-result intervals and PEP dispensing frequencies across a 6-year period (encompassing a 54-month pre-intervention period and 16-month post-intervention period). Results We identified 251 NSIs, which occurred at similar frequencies before versus after our intervention (means 3.54 NSIs and 3.75 NSIs per month, respectively). Median HIV order-result intervals decreased significantly (P &lt; 0.05) from 195 to 156 min after our intervention, while the proportion of HCWs who received one or more doses of PEP decreased significantly (P &lt; 0.001) from 50% (96/191) to 23% (14/60). Conclusion Using a ‘stat’ workflow to prioritize source patient testing after NSIs, we achieved a modest decrease in order-result intervals and a dramatic decrease in HIV PEP dispensing rates. This simple intervention may improve HCWs’ physical and psychological health during a traumatic time.

Economic burden of needlestick injuries among healthcare workers in China

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (7) ◽  
pp. 683-689 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Zhang ◽  
Yaping Ai ◽  
Jing Liu ◽  
Ning Yue ◽  
Jianwei Xuan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Burden ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Needlestick Injuries

Stick and Tell A Survey of Emergency Medicine Residents and Needlestick Exposures

2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (10) ◽  
pp. 1116-1118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Zuraw ◽  
Gretchen Sanford ◽  
Lori Winston ◽  
Shu Chan
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Medicine ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
The United States ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Health Departments ◽  
Needlestick Injuries ◽  
Residency Programs ◽  
Paper Version ◽  
E Mail ◽  
New Procedures

An estimated 400,000–800,000 sharps-related injuries occur among healthcare workers (HCWs) annually in the United States. The risk of needlestick exposure may be particularly high among emergency medicine (EM) residents, who are learning new procedures in a relatively uncontrolled environment. Despite the potentially serious consequences of percutaneous injuries (PCIs), practitioners in training often down-play the occurrence of PCIs and do not report exposures.Current literature implies that underreporting of needlestick injuries is multifactorial. By not seeking care after needlesticks occur and thereby delaying treatment, residents incur more risk from exposures. We sought to elucidate the underlying issues that might contribute to this lack of reporting needlestick injuries. Using an anonymous survey, we collected information regarding factors that contributed to sustaining a PCI as well as perceived barriers that prevented residents from reporting these exposures. This information is desirable for both residency programs and employee health departments to reduce the occurrence of unreported exposures.The survey contained 19 questions, and all subjects were EM residents from the 8 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–accredited programs in the state of Illinois during the period January–February 2011. The voluntary survey was distributed via e-mail and through a paper version distributed at a regional EM residency conference.

Effect of Changing Needle Disposal Systems on Needle Puncture Injuries

1987 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keith Krasinski ◽  
Rita LaCouture ◽  
Robert S. Holzman
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Education Program ◽  
Educational Program ◽  
Needle Puncture ◽  
Mechanism Of Injury ◽  
Needlestick Injuries ◽  
Hospital Workers ◽  
Anatomic Site ◽  
Risk Of Injury ◽  
Before And After

AbstractAccidental needle puncture injuries continue to pose a hazard to hospital workers. In order to reduce the number of such injuries in our hospital, needle disposal procedures were revised to discourage recapping and prevent bending or clipping of needles before discard. Collapsible cardboard boxes were replaced with impervious containers. An educational program accompanied these changes. We compared reports of needlestick injuries before and after the change of procedure, for three parallel 9-month periods. During the 27-month study, injuries occurred during administration of medication (22%), or recapping of used needles (16%), from needles protruding through (10%) or out of the "mouth" (9%) of the container, from needles left in the patient's environment (10%), or those left on procedure trays (7%). Seven percent were the result of being stuck by someone else, usually in the operating room. The mechanism of injury for 19% was not, described. Altering the disposal procedures did not change the number or anatomic site of injuries, nor the risk of injury among the various job categories. A reduction in the rate of sticks from needles protruding through the container (1.3 vs 0.3/mo, p≤0.005) was the only difference observed. Changing the needle receptacle changed the type but not the overall number of injuries. The education program had little effect on the number and types of injuries. These data point to the need for developing innovative approaches for eliciting changes in behavior of health care personnel.

Risk of Transmission and Features of Hepatitis C After Needlestick Injuries

1999 ◽  
Vol 20 (01) ◽  
pp. 63-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saeed S. Hamid ◽  
Badar Farooqui ◽  
Qudsia Rizvi ◽  
Tarranum Sultana ◽  
Anwar A. Siddiqui
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Asymptomatic Infection ◽  
Needlestick Injury ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Needlestick Injuries ◽  
Cost Effective Method ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Abstract The rate of transmission and management of needlestick injuries from hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients to healthcare workers is still a matter of debate. We used a stringent protocol using monthly transaminase levels and polymerase chain reaction for HCV RNA to monitor 53 healthcare workers prospectively for up to 6 months following needle injuries from HCV-positive patients. Evidence of transmission of HCV was found in only 2 workers (4%) with mild asymptomatic infection, one of which resolved spontaneously. Based on our experience, we now use a less-intensive follow-up protocol. Further investigation is required to determine the most cost-effective method to monitor individuals who suffer a needlestick injury from an HCV-positive patient.

A Five-Year Study of Needlestick Injuries: Significant Reduction Associated With Communication, Education, and Convenient Placement of Sharps Containers

1992 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 265-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donna J. Haiduven ◽  
Tammy M. DeMaio ◽  
David A. Stevens
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Educational Programs ◽  
Needlestick Injuries ◽  
San Jose ◽  
Communication Education ◽  
Santa Clara Valley ◽  
Control Department

AbstractObjective:To decrease the numbers of needlesticks among healthcare workers.Design:All reported needlestick injuries at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, California, were reviewed, analyzed, and tabulated by the infection control department yearly from 1986 to 1990.Setting:A 588-bed county teaching hospital in San Jose, California, affiliated with Stanford University.Participants:All employees of Santa Clara Valley Medical Center who reported needlestick injuries on injury report forms.Interventions:From April to December 1987, more needle disposal containers were added to as many patient care areas and as close to the area of use as possible. Results of 1986, 1988, 1989, and 1990 analyses were communicated yearly to all personnel, extensive educational programs were conducted in 1987 and 1988, and educational efforts continued in 1989 and 1990.Results:In 1986, there were 259 needlestick injuries at our institution, 22% (32) from recapping. After needle disposal containers were added to all patient care areas, needlestick injuries for 1988 totalled 143, a 45% decrease in the total needlestick injuries and a 53% decrease in recapping injuries. Communication of results to all areas of the hospital and educational activities were started in 1987 and continued through the next 3 years. In 1989, there were 135 needlestick injuries, a decrease of 6% from 1988; recapping injuries decreased 40% from 1988. In 1990, there were 104 needlestick injuries, a 23% decrease since 1989, and a 33% decrease in recapping injuries. The total number of needlestick injuries from 1986 to 1990 decreased by 60%, and those injuries from recapping decreased by 81% to 89%.Conclusions:We have continued to monitor needlestick injuries, communicate findings to all personnel, and include needlestick prevention in educational programs. We contend that more convenient placement of needle disposal containers, communication of tidings, and education do decrease needlestick injuries in healthcare workers.

Reported Hospital Needlestick Injuries in Relation to Knowledge/Skill, Design, and Management Problems

1992 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 259-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Fay Boylan English
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Washington Dc ◽  
Needlestick Injuries ◽  
Hospital Workers ◽  
Hours Of Work ◽  
Disposable Needle ◽  
Returning To Work ◽  
Medical Technologists ◽  
Knowledge And Practice

AbstractObjectives:To investigate reported needlestick injuries in hospital workers from an adult learner theory perspective: identifying safe needle device knowledge and practice, and flaws in needle designs and management practices surrounding such problems.Design:Exploratory descriptive study of reported needlestick injuries from hollow needled devices in a hospital. Injured healthcare workers were counseled via hospital protocol, then a survey was filled out containing no identifiers of individual or institution.Setting:Seventeen Metropolitan Washington, DC, area hospitals.Participants:All workers reporting needlestick injuries during February 1-28, 1990.Results:Seventy-two injuries were reported; there were no multiple injuries to any individual. Thirty-three (45.8%) were to registered nurses (RNs)-more than any other group of workers. Recapping accounted for a higher percentage than any other activity (10 sticks, 14.1%). Of workers incurring recapping injuries, 3 identified a knowledge of a one-handed spearing technique and did not practice it; 4 neither knew nor practiced it. Eighteen (25.0%) were to “down-stream” housekeepers and aides who did not use such devices in their practice. Disposable needle/syringes caused 49.3% of injuries; hypodermic needles on intravenous lines caused 16.9%. Of the needlesticks, 60.6% were after use and before disposal, 4.2% occurred as the worker was putting an item into a needlebox, and 9.9% occurred from needles protruding from inappropriate bags. Many injuries occurred in the first 2 hours of work after being off the previous day, on Sunday, and on MondayConclusions:Of nurses and medical technologists reporting knowledge of a spearing recapping technique, 97.3% suffered injury via other methods. This strongly suggests that knowledge leads to different action. Safer needled devices and needle-free systems would make a safer workplace. Further study is indicated to identify if and why the first two hours after returning to work on Sunday or Monday are risky for needlestick injuries. Management practices must ensure compliance to safe practice both by employees and related medical staff.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document