Sharp Injuries Research Articles

Our Surgical Results in Popliteal and Infrapopliteal Artery Injuries: 21 Cases without Amputation.

Popliteal and infrapopliteal artery injuries have significant morbidity and mortality rates, especially in terms of amputation. In our study, we aimed to evaluate patients who operated due to popliteal and infrapopliteal vascular injuries in our clinic. Patients and Methods. Between 2016 and 2023; 21 patients who were operated in our clinic due to popliteal and infrapopliteal artery injuries were retrospectively evaluated. 2 of the patients were female (9.5%) and 19 were male (90.5%). Age ranges were 21-78. The causes of injury were gunshot wounds in 9 patients (42.86%), blunt trauma in 7 patients (33.33%), and sharp object injuries in 5 patients (23.80%). Reversed saphenous vein interposition in 7 patients (33.33%), primary repair in 6 patients (28.57%), 6 mm polytetrafluoroethylene graft (PTFE) interposition in 3 patients (14.28%), end-to-end anastomosis in 2 patients (9.52%), saphenous-PTFE composite graft interposition in 2 patients (9.52%), and embolectomy in 1 patient (4.76%) were performed. Arterial ligation was not performed. Simultaneous orthopedic intervention was performed in 8 patients. Fasciotomy was performed in 3 patients. Venous repair was performed in 5 patients with venous injuries. Vein ligation was not performed. Mortality was observed postoperatively in 1 patient. No patient developed amputation. Foot drop developed with nerve damage in 2 patients. Mortality and morbidity rates may increase in popliteal and infrapopliteal artery injuries in cases of hemodynamic disorder, simultaneous bone fracture, multivessel injury, and nerve transection. These rates can be reduced by appropriate surgical repair and ensuring hemodynamic stability.

Estimation of Pattern of Skull Fractures in Homicidal Deaths: An Autopsy Based Cross Sectional Study Conducted in a Tertiary Care Hospital

The head is the most vital part of the body among various organs as the injury to the head will result in fataloutcomes compared to injuries sustained to other parts of the body. There has been an increased global incidence of head injuries in case of homicidal deaths. The present study aims to estimate the various patterns of the skull fractures in case of homicidal deaths and also the nature of injury causing such skull fractures in homicidal deaths.The present cross-sectional study revealed that out of 4036 autopsies, there were 74 cases of homicidal deaths with 67 male and 7 female cases. The skull fracture was noticed in 54 cases out of these 74 cases. The maximum number of homicidal deaths were found to be in the age group of 21 to 40 years. Among the different types of skull fractures, the isolated cut fracture contributed to 46.30% of cases followed by isolated fissured fractures and then by the combination of other types of skull fractures. The nature of injury causing skull fractures was blunt force in 51.8% of the cases then by sharp force injuries and then by the combination of these two. To bring down the incidence of homicidal deaths among the younger individuals, strict enforcements of law may be ensued on possession of blunt and sharp force weapons which are used for the brutal attacks.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Needlesticks and Sharp Injuries Among Healthcare Workers of Hospital in Bule Hora, West Guji Zone, Ethiopia.

Healthcare workers face a significant risk of sharp and needle-stick injuries, which can increase the likelihood of spreading illnesses like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Currently, there is no available information on the prevalence or contributing factors of needle sticks and sharp injuries (NSSI) in hospitals in southern Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the needle sticks and sharp injuries among health care workers at the BHUTH, Southern Ethiopia. The study was a cross-sectional study conducted at an institution in October 2023, with 164 randomly selected participants. A self-administered questionnaire was used to gather information on sociodemographic factors and exposure status. The data was entered and analyzed using Epi-Data and SPSS. The risk factors were identified by binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A P-value less than .05 was considered statistical significance. The overall prevalence of at least one Needle sticks and sharp injuries in the last 12 months was 46.4% (95% CI of 39.3% to 53.6%). The majority of injuries 45.8% were due to the syringe needle. Factors such as needle recap (AOR = 3.73, 95% CI: 1.07-12.19), Recapping with two hands (AOR = 2.78, 95% CI: 1.36-10.02), working 40 hours per week (AOR = 2.18, 95% CI: 0.98-6.86), and lack of training in occupational safety practices (AOR = 4.01, 95% CI: 2.60-9.91), were factors significantly associated with the prevalence of needle stick and sharp injuries. This study found that nearly half of the respondents experienced a sharp needle poke and injury at least once in the previous year; however, the volume of NSSI remains high in the study area. Healthcare workers should receive on-the-job training, and hospital executives should set aside time for discussions on how to solve the problem.

Needlesticks and sharp injuries and their associated factors among health care workers of Bule Hora University Teaching Hospital, Southern Ethiopia

BackgroundThis study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of needle sticks and sharp injuries among healthcare workers at the Bule Hora University Teaching Hospital, Southern Ethiopia from December 1 to 30, 2023. MethodsA self-administered questionnaire was used to gather information on sociodemographic factors and exposure status. Epi-Data and SPSS were used to enter and analyze data. Binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistical significance. ResultsIn this study, the prevalence of at least one Needlesticks and sharp injuries in the last 12 months was 46.4 % (95 % CI: 39.3 %-53.6 %). Of most needlesticks and sharp injuries, 47.2 % were superficial skin injuries. The majority of injuries 45.8 % were due to the syringe needle. Factors such as needle recap (AOR=3.73, 95 % CI: 1.07–12.19), Recapping with two hands (AOR=2.78, 95 % CI: 1.36–10.02), working 40 h per week (AOR=2.18, 95 % CI: 0.98–6.86), lack of training in occupational safety practices (AOR=4.01, 95 % CI: 2.60–9.91), and lack of job satisfaction were factors significantly associated with the prevalence of needlesticks and sharp injuries. ConclusionThis study found that nearly half of the respondents experienced a sharp needle poke and injury at least once in the previous year; however, the volume of NSSI remains high in the study area. Healthcare personnel should receive on-the-job training, and hospital executives should set aside time for discussions on how to solve the problem.

Prevalence and associated factors of needle stick and sharp injuries among nurses: A cross-sectional study.

Workplace safety is essential to occupational health practices among healthcare providers, especially for nurses vulnerable to work-related hazards such as needle stick and sharp injuries. In Yemen, the underestimation and absence of reporting system and lack of health supplies in a collapsed health system exacerbated the needle stick and sharp injuries. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and associated factors of needle stick and sharp injuries among nurses in Taiz, Yemen. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 151 nurses working in three public hospitals in Taiz City. A semi-structured questionnaire was designed and delivered to the participants. The prevalence of needle stick and sharp injuries among nurses was very high (95.36%), and around half were injured more than five times. Female nurses and those in an emergency department were more likely to be subjected to needle stick and sharp injuries (p = 0.018 and 0.021, respectively). Needle stick was the most common cause of injury (62.77%), and the fingers were the most exposed injury site (79.17%). Non-reporting injuries were very high (73.61%), and only one-third (34.21%) of them proceeded in the process of management, and less than one-quarter (23.68%) had been vaccinated. The prevalence of needle stick and sharp injuries among nurses in Taiz was very high, and determined by gender and place of work. Post-injury reporting and precautions were poor, which may increase the prevalence of hospital-acquired infections among clients and healthcare providers.

Knowledge and awareness about biomedical waste segregation and disposal among medical and paramedical students at a tertiary care hospital in Chennai

Abstract Introduction: Wastes produced by health-care facilities are unique in terms of generation, composition, treatment, and disposal when compared to other general wastes. Inappropriate handling of biomedical waste (BMW) led to several health risks from sharps injuries, the spread of infections, and the release of toxic substances into the environment. Not many studies throw insight into the difference in knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) across medical and paramedical students related to BMW segregation and disposal. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness levels regarding BMW segregation and disposal among medical and paramedical students at a tertiary care hospital in Chennai, India. Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of 632 participants, including medical (3rd and 4th years) and paramedical students. The questionnaire assessed their KAP related to BMW management. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, and a comparison was made between medical and paramedical students using appropriate statistical tests. Results: The results revealed that medical students (3rd and 4th years) exhibited better KAP in BMW management than paramedical students. Medical students demonstrated a more comprehensive understanding of BMW segregation, disposal methods, and associated health risks. They also displayed a higher level of awareness regarding the importance of proper BMW management for environmental and public health protection. Conclusion: Our findings emphasize the need to strengthen educational interventions targeting paramedical students to enhance their understanding of proper BMW management practices.

Regeneration of the Patellar Tendon with Radial Pressure Waves in a Sharp Injury: Case Report

Patellar tendon ruptures are rare injuries and are more commonly associated with predisposing factors and previous surgical procedures than with direct trauma. Acute partial-thickness tears are usually treated with immobilization and rehabilitation. The literature recommends surgical management of partial ruptures of the patellar tendon after 6 months of failure of conservative treatments and in acute cases with a compromise >50–55% of the tendon. Radial pressure wave therapy is a safe, non-invasive technique with scientific support in tissue regeneration; it is found as one of the therapeutic alternatives for the management of tendinopathy and partial ruptures of the patellar tendon. The present case report shows the effectiveness of radial pressure wave therapy in a shear injury of the patellar tendon, with a compromise of at least 70%. We have not found similar cases previously reported in the literature, highlighting its relevance. Keywords: Patellar tendon, Radial pressure waves, Patellar tendon rupture, Cutting injury

Lesão Cortoperfurante complicada numa Enfermeira dos Cuidados de Saúde Primários: um Relato de Caso

Introduction Accidents at work resulted from sharp injuries are frequent and preventable events among health care professionals. The prevalence of secondary infection depends on several factors related to the patient itself, the health care worker and the adherence to preventive protocols. In this article, the authors pretend to present a case report of an accident involving a primary health care professional that suffered a sharp injury and, also, to alert about the significance of appropriately reporting. Case Description Woman, 54 years old, a nurse in primary care with 27 years of experience. Background history, among others, ulcerative colitis under immunosuppressive therapy. At the end of shift, she cuts herself with a contaminated scalpel blade while draining a panaritium, resulting in a superficial wound in the second finger of right hand. Notification of the occurrence was made 36 hours after the accident due to the development of local cellulitis. Later, the infection complicated with likely osteomyelitis. Two cycles of antibiotic therapy have been completed and the imagiological revaluation showed bone integrity and signs of tenosynovitis of the second finger flexors. The nurse is absent from work for 15 weeks and awaits a Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine evaluation. Discussion Health care professionals are at greater risk of accident at work, namely, of suffering sharp objects injuries. According to the literature, accidents of this nature are more frequent among female nurses and occur mainly on hands, as in the case described. Among the factors that increase the probability of these occurrences are the high workload and the number of hours worked. Standing out as a particularity of this case is the acquired immunodeficiency secondary to methotrexate therapy as the main condition of the more prolonged disease. This AW had an impact on the professional and the dynamics of the work team, with the need to adjust tasks and temporarily hire another professional. Conclusion As sharp injuries are frequent and preventable, it is important to encourage their reporting. On one hand, to protect the health of injured professionals and on the other hand, so that preventive and corrective measures can be developed. Additionally, it is relevant to know the history of the patient, of the health care professional and the mechanism of injury, to stratify the risk of associated secondary infection. In conclusion, the cooperation of Occupational Health services with other health professionals is important for the adequate management of occupational risks. KEYWORDS: occupational accidents; sharps injuries; incident reporting; family practice; occupational medicine; workplace conditions.

Neurovascular Heterodigital Island Flap for Digital Pulp Defect Reconstruction: 58 Case Series

Aim: Our study aims to report the neurovascular heterodigital island flap reconstruction for finger pulp defects. Patients and Methods: This study included 58 patients presenting to our clinic with pulp defects between 2014 and 2022. The average age of the patients was 26 years (20 - 56 years). Injuries were Allen type 2 for 18 patients, type 3 for 33 patients, and type 4 for 7 patients. Pulp defects were caused by crush injury (n:42) and sharps injury (n:16). Results: None of the flaps administered to the participating patients developed any total loss. Three patients developed partial loss in the distal flap. Six patients were found to have superficial tissue infection. Two patients were found to have hyperpigmentation and hyperesthesia. While one patient with Allen type 3 pulp defect was detected to have 10 degrees of flexion contracture in the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint and 5 degrees of flexion contracture in the proximal interphalangeal joint, three patients were found to have 5 degrees of flexion contracture only in the DIP joint. The mean static two-point discrimination of the pulp-administered flap was 5.2 mm (3-8 mm) and on the contralateral side was 3 mm. The mean Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test was 3.18 g (2.96 – 4.7 g) in the pulp administered flap and 2.92 g in the contralateral side. Conclusions: Reconstruction of pulp defects with neurovascular heterodigital island flap is a reliable treatment option with satisfactory functional and sensory outcomes.

Overview of Occupational Injuries Among Registered Nurses in Washington State, 2007 to 2019.

Registered nurses (RNs) represent the largest segment of the health care workforce and have unique job demands and occupational health considerations. The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence, cost, and causes of occupational injuries among RNs in Washington State and to quantify the cumulative cost and burden of each type of injury, relative to all injuries among RNs. Annual injury claims data covered under Washington State workers' compensation (WC) fund were analyzed over a 13-year period (2007-2019). Annual mean incidence and cost of injuries were calculated and stratified by nature, source, and event/exposure. Negative binomial regression models were used to examine trends in injury incidence over time, for injury incidence overall, and by the most common injury classifications. Between 2007 and 2019, 10,839 WC claims were filed and accepted for Washington State RNs (annual M = 834), totaling more than US$65 million. No significant trend in overall injury incidence was observed (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.94, 1.05]). The most common injury exposures were bodily reaction and exertion, contact with objects and equipment, falls, and assaults and violent acts. To our knowledge, this is the first broad study of the incidence and costs of occupational injuries among RNs across all workplace settings. We identified high-cost, high-frequency incidence rates of musculoskeletal, sharp, and violence-related occupational injury claims, highlighting intervention targets. Implications for Occupational Health Practice: Policy makers, health systems, and occupational health nurse leaders can use this information to identify priority areas where evidence-based occupational health and prevention programs are most needed.

Risk Factors and Prevention of Needlestick Instruments in the Medical Field: Systematic Review

Introduction: Needlestick and sharp object injuries represent a significant occupational hazard faced by healthcare workers worldwide. A systematic review focusing on needlestick and sharp object injuries among healthcare workers is essential due to the heterogeneous nature of existing research. The aim of this systematic review is to comprehensively synthesize existing literature to provide a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence, risk factors, and prevention strategies related to needlestick and sharp object injuries among healthcare workers. Methods: This thorough examination adheres to PRISMA principles and implements a pre-planned research plan to promote transparency and minimize partiality. It encompasses investigations involving medical personnel (such as nurses and physicians) centered on puncture wounds and sharp instrument mishaps, exploring contributing factors, occurrence rate, aftermaths, and preventative measures. A thorough exploration is conducted through various databases, with two separate evaluators examining and evaluating the studies. Suitable studies encompass both observational and intervention-based studies without constraints on publication dates. Information is extracted using a standardized format, and ethical clearance is not required as the review solely relies on already published data. Results: In our systematic review, we initially identified 1,523 articles through a database search, which underwent a stepwise screening process, resulting in 198 articles after assessing titles and abstracts. Subsequently, these 198 articles underwent a rigorous full-text evaluation. After this thorough assessment, 14 studies were included that met our predefined eligibility criteria. Our synthesis of the observational studies revealed recurring risk factors for needlestick and sharp object injuries among healthcare workers, including inadequate training, the impact of fatigue and extended working hours, and insufficient personal protective equipment (PPE). Additional factors like job category, experience level, and compliance with safety protocols were also highlighted in specific studies. Conclusions: This systematic review highlights the importance of standardized approaches to enhance healthcare worker safety, particularly in addressing risk factors like inadequate training, fatigue, and inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE). The effectiveness of prevention strategies, as demonstrated in our meta-analysis, underscores the value of comprehensive programs in reducing injury rates, emphasizing the need for more standardized and multifaceted safety measures across healthcare settings.

Comparison of Electrocautery and Scalpel Incision in Midline Abdominal Surgery

Background: With the advancement of surgical techniques, the comparison of electrocautery and scalpel incisions in midline abdominal surgeries has become an essential area of study. Traditional scalpel incisions have been known for their precision but carry risks of excessive blood loss and sharp injuries. Electrocautery, offering a potentially safer and more efficient alternative, has been gaining attention in surgical practices. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness, safety, and outcomes of electrocautery versus scalpel incisions in midline abdominal surgeries, with a focus on incision time, blood loss, wound infection, and postoperative pain. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, over 12 months from June 2021 to June 2022. A total of 150 patients, split evenly into electrocautery and scalpel groups, were evaluated. Patients aged 20-75 years, undergoing midline abdominal surgery, were included. The main parameters measured were incision time, blood loss, wound infection, and postoperative pain. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, employing independent samples t-tests and chi-square tests. Results: The electrocautery group exhibited a significantly shorter incision time (13.73 ± 2.45 seconds) compared to the scalpel group (18.67 ± 3.02 seconds, p < 0.001). Blood loss was also lower in the electrocautery group (11.47 ± 2.49 ml) than in the scalpel group (27.27 ± 4.13 ml, p < 0.001). Wound infection rates were 6.7% for electrocautery and 13.3% for scalpel, though this was not statistically significant (p = 0.174). Remarkably, 100% of the electrocautery group reported postoperative pain, in contrast to none in the scalpel group (p = 0.000). Conclusion: The study concluded that electrocautery is more effective than scalpel incision in terms of incision time and blood loss, making it a preferable method for midline abdominal surgeries. However, the higher incidence of postoperative pain in the electrocautery group warrants further investigation.

Penetrating two stab to the throat, survival time and physical mobility: a suicide case and literature review

BackgroundIt is difficult to pinpoint the manner of death in cases of death due to sharp force injuries where injury patterns resemble one another. Other issues that might arise include physical mobility and survival time after injury. Within the scope of this case, a 53-year-old male suicide with findings suggestive of homicide is presented, along with research on the nature of sharp neck injuries, survival time, and movement after injury.Case presentationThanks to the surveillance camera video that captured a significant portion of the occurrence, it was determined that the incident in the case that was presented, which had two perforations of the larynx, was suicide. At first appearance, this case could be assumed to be homicidal. Due to the injury, the victim could only walk around 300–350 m. The victim had a 4-h average survival time.ConclusionsIn general terms, the survival time according to the injury sites in the neck can be listed for a person (if the wound sizes are close to each other) as follows: injury causing vagal stimulation < arterial injury with severe blood loss < venous injury with blood loss < airway injury causing aspiration and respiratory failure.

Bloodborne viral infections: Seroprevalence and relevance of preoperative screening in Indian eye care system - A retrospective study.

To report the seroprevalence of bloodborne viral infection (BBVI) in patients undergoing ophthalmic surgeries and assess the utility and feasibility of preoperative screening for BBVI in India's current eye care system. This retrospective, hospital-based, descriptive study included data from patients undergoing preoperative screening for Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) at a tertiary eye care institute from 2018 to 2022. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) were performed on the blood samples after obtaining informed consent from the patients. Seroreactive patients underwent surgery with additional safety precautions. The demographic data and surgical details of these patients were collected and analyzed. ANOVA was used to carry out statistical analysis between groups. During the study period, the number of healthcare workers (HCWs) sustaining needle stick injury (NSI) and accidental sharp injury (ASI) in the operating theater (OT) and details of these injuries were recorded. Samples from 28,563 patients were included. The seroprevalence of BBVI was 1.87% (536/28563). Hepatitis B virus (322, 60.1%) was the most commonly detected infection, and HIV (59, 11%) was the least detected infection. The mean age of the seroreactive patients was 60.3 ± 30.8 years. The incidence of NSI was 0.49/1000 surgeries. Nurses (11) and technicians (4) in the OT sustained maximum NSI. None of the HCWs had seroconversion after NSI. The overall seroprevalence of BBVI in the current study is lower than that reported in previously published studies from eye care organizations. Currently, mandatory preoperative screening for BBVI to prevent transmission of these infections to HCWs working in the eye care sector in India appears to be less cost-effective.

Medicolegal study of Egyptian unnatural female deaths in the childbearing period during 2019–2020

Violence against women is a global public health problem, especially in the childbearing period. However, it is considered as the least documented human rights violation worldwide which at its worst can result in femicide. This medico-legal study aims to explore the pattern of unnatural deaths among women in childbearing age group in the Egyptian community in recent years for early detection of women who are at risk and for establishment preventive measures. One hundred and one fifty of suspicious deaths of women in the reproductive age from 13 to 49 years were autopsied in Zeinhom Morgue (the Egyptian Forensic Medicine Authority) during 2019–2020. Demographic data, circumstances of death, causes and manner of death were defined and statistically analyzed. Unnatural death occurred during the 2nd −3rdh decades, 83.4 % were from urban residence, 40.4 % were single while 39.1 % of cases were married. In the majority of deaths, bodies were found at home. Regarding the manner of death, there were 38.4 % suicidal deaths and 38.4 % were homicidal death, while 19.2 % were accidental deaths. Sharp traumatic injuries were the most common pattern in homicidal cases mainly after domestic arguments by a spouse or relative while the most common suicidal and accidental pattern was jumping from height. The present study proved that violence against women resulting in unnatural deaths is very prevalent in Egypt with a rising rate in recent years. These findings could be useful for early identification of vulnerable women and for preventing woman deaths in the future.

Sharps injuries within the healthcare student population: a narrative review

Background: Studies have reported evidence on sharps injuries among nursing, medical and dental students but little is known about the amount, type and causes of sharps injuries affecting other healthcare students. Aim: The aim of the narrative review was to identify the extent, type and causes of sharps injuries sustained by healthcare students, especially those not in those fields. Method: Eight databases were searched using keywords to identify studies published between 1980 and March 2023. Findings: This narrative review highlights that some groups of healthcare students, including those studying pharmacy, physiotherapy and radiography, sustain sharps injuries from similar devices as reported in research on such injuries in nursing, medical and nursing students. Sharps injuries happen in a range of healthcare environments, and many were not reported by students. The main cause of a sharps injury identified was a lack of knowledge. Conclusion: More research is needed on the extent of sharps injuries in healthcare students in European countries and the UK as well as on their physical and psychological effects. Education and training in sharps use and disposal are essential.

On Death and Examination of the Dead in the Ottoman Empire: A Historical Perspective.

The aims of this study were to examine the procedures performed during the death examination by scanning the qadi registry books of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th-18th centuries and to compare them with the procedures performed today. In our study, a total of 12 Konya qadi registry records from the period between 16th and 18th centuries (1563-1731) were examined. In our study, a total of 70 cases that underwent death discovery and examination were found out of 12 Konya qadi registry books. When the causes of death were evaluated in the cases in which the dead were discovered, being trapped in the wreckage was found as the most common cause with a total of 9 cases. This was followed by drowning (n = 8), being found dead in the open area (n = 8), and sharp injuries (n = 7). Because of the developments in all fields of medicine, it is understandable that wound descriptions are much more detailed today. However, descriptions such as "black bruise, battery, wounding" were found in the qadi registers as well. This case study is one of the most historic and comprehensive death series.

Death by sharp force injuries of vein vessels: three different case reports

Death by sharp force injuries of vein vessels: three different case reports

Needlestick and Sharp Injuries among Healthcare Workers in the Operating Theatre: Why They Do Not Report Their Incidences

Introduction: Needlestick and Sharp Injuries (NSSIs) pose a significant threat to healthcare workers, particularly in Operating Theatres (OTs), where the risk of exposure is compounded by high-stress environments and the complexity of procedures. Despite the known dangers, a persistent issue of underreporting complicates efforts to safeguard worker and patient health. This paper promotes the adoption of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) to mitigate these risks, aiming to improve reporting behaviors and, by extension, overall safety within healthcare settings. Methods: This study utilizes a qualitative research approach, combining literature review and case studies to explore the phenomena of NSSI underreporting among healthcare workers. It examines barriers to reporting within OTs, such as fear of repercussions and time constraints, and proposes interventions based on EBP. Research methodology emphasizes the application of theory to practice through multidisciplinary team involvement, workshops, and the establishment of clear, achievable goals. Results: The investigation reveals that while healthcare workers are generally aware of the protocols for reporting NSSIs, a range of barriers inhibits consistent application in practice. The study identifies effective strategies for bridging the theory practice gap, including fostering a constructive learning environment, ensuring leadership support, and promoting open communication. These strategies are shown to facilitate the practical application of theoretical knowledge, thereby improving reporting rates and enhancing safety protocols in OTs. Conclusions: Effectively addressing NSSIs in healthcare settings, particularly in Operating Theatres, requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses education, clear reporting protocols, and a culture of collective responsibility. Bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application through workshops, evidence translation, and an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration is key to enhancing patient and worker safety. The study underscores the necessity of understanding the multifaceted nature of behavior change in healthcare environments to implement successful EBP strategies.

A large-scale survey on epidemiology and underreporting of needlestick and sharp injuries among healthcare workers in China.

Needlestick and sharp injuries (NSI) carry the risk of transmitting numerous bloodborne pathogens, leading to both health and economic burdens. The underreporting of NSIs among healthcare workers (HCWs) is a global issue of concern, as timely treatment and prevention of complications rely on proper reporting. Underreporting further impedes accurate surveillance and appropriate resource allocation, with developed and developing nations facing disparities due to differences in healthcare policy. The purpose of this research is to examine the epidemiology of NSIs and NSI underreporting, as well as to identify the determinants associated with the occurrence of NSIs and the underreporting of such injuries. A retrospective online survey was conducted from January 15 to January 31, 2022 among healthcare workers (HCWs) across Gansu Province, China. A total of 7,283 healthcare workers (HCWs) from various institutions participated in this study. After quality assurance checks, 6,464 (88.77%) responses were included in the final analysis. Results revealed a 32.86% self-reported needlestick and sharp injury (NSI) incidence among respondents, with 28.53% of NSIs going unreported. Contrary to common belief, more experienced HCWs exhibited higher rates of both NSIs and underreporting compared to their less experienced peers. The primary reasons cited for NSIs and underreporting were lapses in concentration and not perceiving patients as infectious. Multivariate regression analysis exposes the significant influence of training frequency, occupation, department and years of services on the occurrence of NSIs. Conversely, the reporting of NSIs is primarily influenced by training, reimbursement,occupation, department and hospital grade. Compared to HCWs with no training, those who received ≥3 training sessions per year showed a 12.16% lower NSI incidence (27.12% vs. 39.28%, p < 0.001) and a 55.68% lower underreporting rate (14.61% vs. 70.29%, p < 0.001). There is a pressing need for enhanced surveillance, tailored training programs, and more efficient reporting mechanisms to combat this significant occupational health challenge.