The following is a table of problems that are
often associated with sharps injuries. These particular problems are often complex
and factors related to their occurrence must be explored to identify appropriate
interventions. Healthcare organizations may wish to use this table as a spring-board
for discussion and as an example of how to approach the investigation of sharps
injuries.
Problem-Specific Strategies
for Sharps Injury Prevention
Problem |
Problem Assessment |
Possible Prevention Strategies |
| Recapping injuries |
- Are recapping injuries associated with certain devices or procedures?
- Are there certain locations where recapping injuries appear to be occurring?
If so, what is different about these locations?
- Is there a need to recap certain needles?
- Are point-of-use needle disposal containers available so HCWs do not need to recap?
- Is it likely that a device with a safety feature would prevent or deter recapping?
|
- Implement device(s) with sharps prevention features
- Install sharps disposal containers in more convenient locations
- Establish a policy/procedure for safe recapping when necessary for the procedure
being performed
- Reinforce recommendations concerning recapping during annual BBP education
|
| Injuries during specimen transfer |
- How are specimens being collected?
- Is there an alternative means to perform specimen collection that would avoid the need for specimen
transfer?
- Is there a way to avoid the need for needles
during specimen transfer? Would this create another hazard?
|
- Revise procedures
for specimen collection
- Purchase new specimen collection
devices with safety features
- Educate staff on safe
means for collecting specimens
|
| Downstream injuries (i.e., injuries
to housekeepers, laundry, and maintenance workers, and/or injuries associated
with improper disposal of sharp devices) |
- Where are
these injuries occurring?
- Is there any pattern by occupation,
location, or device?
- Are sharps disposal containers
available in all locations?
- Are they appropriate for
all needs?
- Are they being used? If not, why not?
|
- Inform the
organization as a whole (or area if problem is localized) of the problem
and send written communication (e.g., memo, newsletter article)
- Informal
meeting with key staff
- Encourage reporting of improperly
disposed needles and other sharps, regardless of whether injuries occur
|
| Injuries during sharps disposal |
- Where are
these injuries occurring?
- Is there any pattern by occupation,
location, or device?
- Does there appear to be a problem
with the sharps disposal container being used? If so, is it the type of
container? Location (e.g. height, proximity) of the container?
- If
a single type of device is involved, what is it about the device and/or
the disposal container that contributes to the problem?
|
- Change the
position of the sharps container
- Change the type of
sharps container
- Reeducate staff about disposal hazards
and provide instruction on safe practices
|
