Abstract

Background: Needle stick injuries (NSI) carry the risk of transmitting blood-borne viruses. Changes in legislation have led to the use of safer instruments, mandatory training and outlined protocol to follow in the event of an NSI. Despite such efforts to minimize the occurrence, the number of NSIs remains at large.

Methods: Data was collected via an anonymous online retrospective survey over two months. This a single center studies in a UK district hospital.

Results: From 438 healthcare workers, 69 responses were collected. Data identified one third (n=23) of respondents had experienced at least one NSI while working at the Hospital. 42.88% (n=9) did not report at least one of their sustained NSI quoting reasons such as paperwork, perceived low transmission risk and NSI stigma. Surgical consultants, medical consultants and nurses experienced the highest number of NSIs respectively. Also, female staffs were ten times more likely to report NSIs compared to male staff.

Discussion: Familiarity with Hospital policy can be linked to an increased likelihood of reporting; staff who did report was the most familiar with the policy. However, familiarity did not ensure consistent reporting on all occasions. Out of 54, only 18.52% (n=10) of respondents mentioned the correct first aid measure. These, along with other staff suggestions, are areas that need improvement. Related stigma could explain avoidance towards reporting, as protocol requires lengthy paperwork and involvement of other staff. Surgical specialties remain mainly at risk for NSIs and worth further investigation.

Conclusion: Findings concluded prominent under-reporting and various similarities with existing literature. Policies need to be more transparent and easily accessible to staff. Better reporting practice will lead to the identification and implementation of improved safety measures.

Keywords: Needle stick injuries; NSI stigma; Healthcare; Human immunodeficiency virus; Cytomegalovirus; Nursing