Authors (including presenting author) :
Choi YH(1), Lam KM(1), Yeung KP (1), Tam WL (1), Yuen WH (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Medicines and Geriatrics, Pok Oi Hospital
Introduction :
Sharps injury does occur in healthcare industry, especially in acute clinical setting. Sharps injury can lead to physical wound, possibly transmission of blood-borne diseases and even psychological impact in healthcare workers. Nurses are more prone to needle stick injury among healthcare professionals due to job duties. Although nurses are educated to be aware of sharps safety and needle stick injury prevention, the awareness of sharps safety may be negatively affected in a busy and hectic acute medical setting. Since healthcare professionals are the most valuable assets in healthcare industry, it is of our utmost priority to uphold the occupational safety and health among nurses and healthcare professionals. A Needle Stick Injury Safety Reminder was designed and displayed in clinical areas to enhance the sharps safety among healthcare workers. Under the theoretical framework of Health Belief Model, the Needle Stick Injury Safety Reminder serves as a cue to increase Perceived Susceptibility and Perceived Severity of sharps injury, therefore promoting healthcare workers to be aware of the possible threats and to perform safe handling of needles and sharps.
Objectives :
1) To enhance the awareness of needle stick injury among healthcare workers through Health Belief Model 2) To involve clinical staff in the process of maintenance of Occupational Safety and Health 3) To achieve zero needle stick and sharps related injury in M&G wards
Methodology :
1) A signage was designed to demonstrate sharps safety cue. The safety reminder combines the input of clinical staff regarding the common needle stick and sharps threats. 2) The safety reminder was scaled in different sizes for use in different clinical areas. 3) The signage was displayed in clinical areas where sharps are handled. For example, injection trolley, treatment room, glucometer trolley, phlebotomy trolley.
Result & Outcome :
1) Frontline staff reported higher level of awareness on sharps safety 2) Staff reported higher level of involvement in OSH maintenance 3) Zero incidents were reported on needle stick and sharps injury since the implementation of Needle Stick Injury Safety Reminder from August, 2019 onwards Conclusion: The occupational safety and health of healthcare workers are of high importance. Sharps safety is one common occupational health hazards that shall be minimized. The development of Needle Stick Injury Safety Reminder aims to enhance sharps safety awareness and involve staff in OSH maintenance. The results are so far positive since implementation and the effort shall be continued.
