A hospital based study on management of health hazards due to needle-stick injuries and its perception among healthcare professionals / Aishath Selna

Abstract

Background
Needle stick injuries (NSIs) caused by sharp instruments are common in clinical practice and have the potential risks of transmission of various fatal diseases such as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Hepatitis, among others. It is important to find out how much Healthcare Professionals (HCPs), are aware of these risks and importance given by HCPs to minimise the exposure to such incidents and formulate strategies to improve them.

Objective
To assess the perception regarding Health Hazards associated with NSIs among HCPs and, their views on how to minimise and manage exposure incidents in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Design, Settings and Participants
A qualitative research study done among the Heads of Departments (HODs) of Tertiary Care Hospital in Maldives who has HCPs working under them with great risk of exposure to hazards due to NSIs.

Methods
The research undertaken includes two sections, a quantitative and a qualitative section. The quantitative data section includes secondary data being obtained from the reported incidence records and stratified into groups of HCPs and displayed as a percentage in a bar chart. The second section will use a methodology focused on qualitative analysis as the researcher wants to know in-depth information regarding the perception of HCPs, along with the knowledge on prevention and management of exposure incidents due to NSIs.

Findings
The majority of the HODs had experienced a NSI in their work life. The non-compliance with the standard precautions, resource adequacy as well as the lack of knowledge regarding risks, post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and the reporting system for NSIs were major disquiets among HCPs.

Conclusions
The occurrence of NSIs were associated with organizational characteristics as well as behavioural characteristics and protective equipment. Hospitals can prevent or minimise such incidences by establishing standard protocols, creating awareness and educating and guiding the HCPs on safe handling of needles and proper disposal. Hospital Management should make safety-engineered equipment available where possible. Education on the hazards due to an exposure to NSIs and management of NSIs. Instigating proper monitoring system at organizational level and a reporting system at National level in Maldives is also vital.

Key words: - Needle stick injuries, Exposure incidents, Healthcare professionals,
Vaccination, Tertiary Care Hospital, Head of Departments, Hazards, Post Exposure Prophylaxis, Infection Control, Occupational Safety Health.