Needless Needlestick Injuries

A look at the risks, accomplishments and challenges involved in preventing needlestick injuries.  Successful programs for preventing needlestick injuries include eliminating unnecessary needles, using sharps safety devices, changing work practices to prevent injury and creating a culture of safety.

In the United States, more than 8 million healthcare workers face a number of occupational risks. Those risks include exposure to Bloodborne pathogens such as HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus. These healthcare workers face exposure via percutaneous (medical procedure done via needle-pncture of the skin) injuries. It is estimated that the number of percutaneous injuries sustained by healthcare workers ranges from 310,000 ~ 460,000.

There is evidence that "sharps safety devices", or devices with engineered sharps injury protection, can reduce risks of injury. The use of sharps safety devices has been increasing steadily, further reducing risks to healthcare workers. The article sites that the ultimate goal is: for every healthcare worker to use a sharps safety device during every procedure that puts them at risk for a percutaneous injury with a potentially Contaminated bloody device.

After a quick look at the risks, a healthcare facility's successes and challenges can arm the public with information to meet this goal and prevent needless injuries from needles and other sharps.

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