Introduction Of Safety Devices Research Articles

Needlestick prevention devices: data from hospital surveillance in Piedmont, Italy—comprehensive analysis on needlestick injuries between healthcare workers after the introduction of safety devices

ObjectiveNeedlestick and sharps injuries (NSIs) involving healthcare workers (HCWs) are worldwide under surveillance since long time; the implementation of the European Directive 32/2010 regarding the mandatory use of safety-engineered devices...

Reduction of needlestick injuries in healthcare personnel at a university hospital using safety devices

BackgroundHealthcare personnel (HCP) is exposed to bloodborne pathogens through occupational risk factors. The objective of this study was to compare the incidence of needlestick injuries (NSIs) before and after the introduction of safety devices in all departments of our hospital.MethodsData was extracted from mandatory needlestick report forms of the hospital’s Occupational Health Service. Serological results of patients and healthcare personnel (HCP) were reviewed in the laboratory information system.ResultsIn 2007, the year before the introduction of safety devices, 448 needlestick injuries were self-reported, corresponding to an annual rate of 69.0 NSIs per 1 000 full-time HCP. The highest incidence was observed among medical staff in the surgery department and internal medicine with 152 (33.9%) and 79 (17.6%) NSIs, respectively. Of all occupational groups, nurses (36.2%) had the highest risk to sustain NSIs. In 2008 safety devices were introduced across the hospital, e.g. peripheral venous catheter, hypodermic needle and stapling system for wound sealing providing active or passive protection. In 2009, the year after introduction of safety devices, only 350 NSIs were reported, the annual rate of NSIs decreased to 52.4 per 1 000 full-time HCP. Thus an overall reduction of 21.9% for NSIs was achieved when safer devices were applied. The number of NSIs was reduced by even 50% for blood withdrawal, for use of peripheral venous catheters and application of hypodermic needles.ConclusionThe application of safety devices led to a reduction of NSIs and significantly reduces the risk of bloodborne infections.

Needlestick injuries among health care workers: Occupational hazard or avoidable hazard?

SummaryOBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to describe the mechanisms and preventability of occupational percutaneous blood exposure of healthcare workers through needlestick injuries and to discuss rational strategies for prevention. METHODS: To calculate the preventability, we surveyed in a first step the number and kind of needlestick injuries and in a second step the reasons for the injuries and the working conditions of the healthcare workers. Both data sets were collected in independent anonymous questionnaire covering occupational blood exposure among healthcare workers in a German university hospital. RESULTS: Needlestick injuries were caused through unsafe procedures, difficult working conditions and unsafe devices. On average, 50.3% (n = 492/978) of all needlestick injuries could have been avoided by the use of safety devices, whereas only 15.2% could have been prevented by organizational measures. In our study, 31.5% (n = 503/1598) of participant healthcare workers had sustained at least one needlestick injury in the past twelve months. The rate of underreporting was about 75%. After introduction of safety devices, 91.8% of the healthcare workers reported being satisfied with the anti-needlestick devices and 83.4% believed that safety devices would increase the safety of the work environment. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational exposure to blood is a common problem among healthcare workers. The introduction of safety devises is one of the main starting points for avoidance of needlestick injuries, and acceptance among healthcare workers is high. Further targets for preventive measures, such as training in safe working routines, are necessary for improvement of safe work conditions.

Évaluation du coût de la prise en charge des accidents exposant au sang dans un centre hospitalo-universitaire en 2000

The management of occupational exposure to blood has an important economic impact. Few studies have estimated the real cost of these exposures. Method. – This retrospective study was made on occupational exposures to blood reported in the Poitiers University Hospital, in 2000. Items concerning the management of these accidents were listed: consultations, post-exposure prophylaxis, laboratory testing, leave time for health care workers (HCW). Results. – In 2000, 243 occupational exposures to blood were reported to the Department of Occupational Medicine. Nurses (39.5%), physicians (21.8%), and students (13.6%) were the most frequently concerned. Most of these accidents occurred in the Department of Surgery (29.2%) and Department of Internal Medicine (24.3%). Deep needle-stick injuries accounted for 48.7% of occupational exposures to blood. The source patient serology was unknown in 15.6% of the cases. This study showed that the cost of these occupational exposures to blood was high in 2000 (68 310 €). This global cost was due to consultations (11 122 €), laboratory testing (45 995 €), and post-exposure prophylaxis (5067 €). The cost of leave time for injured workers was 6126 €. Conclusion. – The economic impact of occupational exposures to blood is high for a hospital. Before the introduction of safety devices, a cost-benefit analysis must be made to assess the benefits brought about by preventing accidents.