Abstract

Objective: This research evaluates the sharps injuries (SIs) of health care workers in a private hospital and the effect of education on injury rate.

Methods: Data were analyzed retrospectively from records of 112 injuries that occurred in 103 health care workers between January 2013 and December 2016. Training was conducted once a year and on entry for new staff members. In case of increase in injury rates despite training, PDCA (plan-do-check-act) cycle study was also applied with the decision of the infection control committee. Training was provided for problem areas (such as disposing of sharps immediately after use in patient room, and verbal warning when passing sharps hand to hand between team members in operating room, etc.).

Results: During four years of follow-up, 1162 health care workers were trained for SIs. Hepatitis B immune globulin and vaccination were administered to three and HIV post-exposure prophylaxis was prescribed for two employees. No blood-borne diseases were encountered in follow-ups. Between the years 2013 and 2016, the rates of SIs were 4.3%, 9.6%, 4.4%, and 8.6%, respectively. The distribution of injured persons according to occupational groups are 47.3% nurses, 20.5% assistant health care workers, 17% cleaning personnel, 8.9% laboratory technicians, 6.3% doctors. The most common type of exposure is the needlestick injury (%73). Operating room unit was the leading location with 43% frequency. As the SI rate was high in the first six months of 2014, The PDCA program was initiated in the second half of the year and the injury rate was reduced to 4.4% in 2015. In 2016, training was also started in the second half of the year because of high SIs rates.

Conclusions: This study has shown that problem-oriented continuous training programs are effective in reducing SIs. Klimik Dergisi 2018; 31(3): 181-4.

Cite this article as: Karakoç ZÇ, Kocak Y, Şimşek B. [Sharps injuries: a single-center experience]. Klimik Derg. 2018; 31(3): 181-4. Turkish.