Investigation of a safety-engineered device to prevent needlestick injury: why has not StatLock stuck?

Abstract

ObjectiveThis article sought to define whether an alternative safety-engineered device (SED) could help prevent needlestick injury (NSI) in healthcare workers (HCWs) who place central venous catheters (CVCs).DesignThe study involved three phases: (1) A retrospective analysis of deidentified occupational health records from our tertiary care urban US hospital to clearly identify NSI risk and rates to an HCW during invasive catheter placement; (2) 95 residents were surveyed regarding their knowledge and experience with NSIs and SEDs; (3) A random sample of six residents participated in a focus group session discussing barriers to the use of SED.SettingA single urban US tertiary care teaching hospital.ParticipantsA retrospective analysis of NSI to HCWs in a tertiary care urban US hospital was conducted over a 4-year period (July 2007–June 2011). Ninety-five residents from specialties that often place CVC during training (surgery, surgical subspecialties, internal medicine, anaesthesia and emergency medicine) were surveyed regarding their experience with NSIs and SEDs. A random sample of six residents participated in a focus group session discussing barriers to the use of SED.Results314 NSIs were identified via occupational health records. 16% (21 of 131) of NSIs occurring in residents and fellows occurred during the securement of an invasive catheter such as a CVC. If an SED device had been used, the 5.25 NSIs/year could have been avoided. Each NSI occurring in an HCW incurred at least $2723 in charges. Thus, utilisation of the SED could have saved a minimum of $57 183 over the 4-year period.ConclusionsSEDs are currently available and can be used as an alternative to sharps. If safety and efficacy can be demonstrated, then implementation of such devices can significantly reduce the number of NSIs.

Needlesticks with safety devices and accident prevention: an integrative review

“…Among the included studies, five were conducted in the United States (23)(24)(25)(26)(27) , two in Brazil (28)(29) , one in France (30) , one in Italy (31) , one in Scotland (32) and one in Lebanon (33) . Regarding authorship, six studies were carried out by physicians (23)(24)27,(29)(30)34) , four by professionals with a degree in science (25,28,(31)(32) and one per nurse (26) . About the type of publication, ten are articles and one is systematic review (33) .…”

“…Although the costs of fully automatic devices may be an obstacle to their use, this factor can be rewarded with lower costs associated with injuries (29) . It was estimated that the use of safety devices could save hospitals the value of $ 2,723 incurred for each injury acquired per worker, and it is thought that the incremental cost would be offset by the decrease in expenses related to injuries and infections to workers (34) .…”

Development of a Safe Syringe Disposal System Moving towards Automated Syringe Data Collection

“…To prevent NI, a number of safety engineered devices (SEDs) have been designed. SEDs are medical devices designed with the intention to prevent hazards and accidents [5]. In the case of safety engineered syringes, needles are covered or bent immediately after being used.…”

Effect of Education on Stress of Exposure to Sharp Objects among Nurses Working in Emergency and Trauma Care Wards of Baqiyatallah Hospital in 2013

“…Workers who feel anxious or distressed are often unrecognized and untreated; therefore, their needs for assistance is mostly unknown ( 7 ). The documents show that over half of injuries from sharp instruments are not reported ( 8 ). Education is one of the key elements in raising awareness and improving clinical skills of the staff.…”