Needle‐stick Injury: A Novel Intervention to Reduce the Occupational Health and Safety Risk in the Haemodialysis Setting

Abstract

Needle-stick injury (NSI) is a major occupational health and safety issue facing healthcare professionals. The administration of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) in haemodialysis patients represents a major cause for injections. The purpose of this initiative was to familiarise nursing staff with needle-free administration of an ESA in haemodialysis patients to reduce the risk of NSI. Epoetin beta comes in a commercial presentation with a detached needle. Epoetin beta was administered to 10 haemodialysis patients via the venous bubble trap short line of the haemodialysis circuit. An audit was conducted that included a retrospective assessment of NSI for the previous six months; and a prospective assessment for eight weeks to assess whether there is a nursing staff preference for needle-free administration of ESA. There were no reports of NSI in the needle-free group. Haemoglobin levels were maintained. Ninety-one percent of the nursing staff preferred needle-free administration of ESA. In conclusion, the commercial presentation of epoetin beta with the detached needle presents an opportunity to reduce the potential risk of NSI in haemodialysis units.

Sharps Injuries Amongst Healthcare Workers: Review of Incidence, Transmissions and Costs

“…No needle stick injuries were reported, haemoglobin levels were maintained and the system was well accepted by the nursing staff (Chow et al . ).…”

Needle Stick Injuries – Risk and Preventive Factors: A Study among Health Care Workers in Tertiary Care Hospitals in Pakistan

“…Furthermore, different studies have shown transmission of Hepatitis B and C from HCWs to patients ( Buster, van der Eijk, de Man, & Schalm, 2004 ; Laurenson et al, 2007 ; Lot et al, 2007 ; Raggam, Rossmann, Salzer, Stauber, & Kessler, 2009 ) and approximately 70 infected health care workers have been identified in transmitting their infection to patients ( Carlson & Perl, 2010 ). Hence significant health workers are exposed to blood borne pathogens that pose a threat to them as well as their patients, health ( Chow, Rayment, Wong, Jefferys, & Suranyi, 2009 ).…”

A Comparison of the Effects of Different Equipment used for Venipuncture to Aid in Promoting More Effective Simulation Education

“…Simulationbased healthcare education uses well-defined learning objectives and tasks with an appropriate level of difficulty [19]. Efforts to reduce occupational health and safety risks include staff education, safer equipment, and the reduction of needle-dependent procedures [20].…”