Prevalence and prevention of needlestick injuries among health care workers in a German university hospital

Objective Health care workers (HCWs) are exposed to bloodborne pathogens, especially hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through job-related risk factors like needlestick, stab, scratch, cut, or other bloody injuries. Needlestick injuries can be prevented by safer devices. Methods The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency and causes of needlestick injuries in a German university hospital. Data were obtained by an anonymous, self-reporting questionnaire. We calculated the share of reported needlestick injuries, which could have been prevented by using safety devices. Results 31.4% (n = 226) of participant HCWs had sustained at least one needlestick injury in the last 12 months. A wide variation in the number of reported needlestick injuries was evident across disciplines, ranging from 46.9% (n = 91/194) among medical staff in surgery and 18.7% (n = 53/283) among HCWs in pediatrics. Of all occupational groups, physicians have the highest risk to experience needlestick injuries (55.1%—n = 129/234). Evaluating the kind of activity under which the needlestick injury occurred, on average 34% (n = 191/561) of all needlestick injuries could have been avoided by the use of safety devices. Taking all medical disciplines and procedures into consideration, safety devices are available for 35.1% (n = 197/561) of needlestick injuries sustained. However, there was a significant difference across various medical disciplines in the share of needlestick injuries which might have been avoidable: Pediatrics (83.7%), gynecology (83.7%), anesthesia (59.3%), dermatology (33.3%), and surgery (11.9%). In our study, only 13.2% (n = 74/561) of needlestick injuries could have been prevented by organizational measures. Conclusion There is a high rate of needlestick injuries in the daily routine of a hospital. The rate of such injuries depends on the medical discipline. Implementation of safety devices will lead to an improvement in medical staff’s health and safety.     

某三级综合医院医务人员职业暴露调查

目的了解某三级综合医院医务人员职业暴露情况,分析职业暴露发生原因及预防对策。方法对某院2010年1月—2013年12月134例发生职业暴露的医务人员进行调查。结果暴露人群中,护士所占比率最高(59.70%),其次是医生(19.40%)、医技人员(9.70%)。职业暴露主要原因为锐器管理不规范(占46.27%,62例),其次为操作意外(占42.54%,57例)、防护措施不足所致(占11.19%,15例);暴露方式以锐器伤为主(占94.78%,127例),黏膜接触暴露占5.22%(7例),暴露源不明确者占42.54%,暴露源明确者占57.46%,其中乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)、丙型肝炎病毒(HCV)、梅毒螺旋体(TP)、人类免疫缺陷病毒(HIV)分别占35.82%、12.69%、3.73%、2.24%;HBV、HCV合并感染占2.24%(3例);HIV、HBV、HCV、TP合并感染占0.74%(1例)。职业暴露后正确处理率为95.52%。结论护士是职业暴露高危群体,做好职业防护,并规范锐器管理,可以减少医务人员职业暴露发生。     

Susceptibility of healthcare workers in Kenya to hepatitis B: new strategies for facilitating vaccination uptake

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is preventable, yet many healthcare workers (HCWs) in resource-poor countries remain at risk. The aims of this study were to evaluate the susceptibility of HCWs in a Kenyan district to HBV infection, and the feasibility of expanding the Extended Programme of Immunization (EPI) for infants to incorporate hepatitis B vaccination of HCWs. HCWs in Thika district, Kenya were invited to complete an interviewer-administered questionnaire about their immunization status and exposure to blood or body fluids. Participants were asked to provide a blood sample to assess natural or vaccine-induced protection against HBV. All non-immune HCWs were offered hepatitis B vaccination. Thirty percent (168/554) of HCWs reported one or more needlestick injuries (NSIs) in the previous year, with an annual incidence of 0.97 NSIs/HCW/year. Only 12.8% (71/554) of HCWs had received vaccination previously and none had been screened for immunity or for hepatitis B surface antigen. In total, 407 staff provided blood samples; 41% were HBV core antibody, 4% expressed hepatitis B surface antibody from previous vaccination, and 55% were unprotected. Two hundred and twenty-two staff were eligible for vaccine delivered through the EPI infrastructure. Self-motivated uptake of a full course of vaccine was 92% in the smaller health centres and 44% in the district hospital. This study demonstrates the importance of hepatitis B vaccination of HCWs in parts of Africa where high exposure rates are combined with low levels of vaccine coverage. High rates of vaccination can be achieved using childhood immunization systems for the distribution of vaccine to HCWs.     

Mental health of healthcare workers who experience needlestick and sharps injuries

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are exposed daily to the risk of injury by needlesticks and other medical instruments. However, the psychiatric impacts of such injuries have not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mental health status of HCWs with experiences of needlestick and sharps injuries. A cross-sectional written survey was performed. The psychological symptoms before injury and current status were measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The proportions of HCWs with and without needlestick and sharps injuries were 71.1% (n=263) and 28.9% (n=107), respectively. HAM-A and BDI scores were significantly higher among HCWs with injury experiences (p<0.01). HCWs with injury experiences exhibited higher PSS and BDI scores after the injury and higher levels of anxiety and depression. Particular attention should be directed towards the psychological consequences of needlestick and sharps injuries in HCWs.     

Estimation of the global burden of disease attributable to contaminated sharps injuries among health-care workers

BACKGROUND: The global burden of hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection due to percutaneous injuries among health care workers (HCWs) is estimated. METHODS: The incidence of infections attributable to percutaneous injuries in 14 geographical regions on the basis of the probability of injury, the prevalence of infection, the susceptibility of the worker, and the percutaneous transmission potential are modeled. The model also provides the attributable fractions of infection in HCWs. RESULTS: Overall, 16,000 HCV, 66,000 HBV, and 1,000 HIV infections may have occurred in the year 2000 worldwide among HCWs due to their occupational exposure to percutaneous injuries. The fraction of infections with HCV, HBV, and HIV in HCWs attributable to occupational exposure to percutaneous injuries fraction reaches 39%, 37%, and 4.4% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational exposures to percutaneous injuries are substantial source of infections with bloodborne pathogens among health-care workers (HCWs). These infections are highly preventable and should be eliminated.     

广东省39所医院医务人员锐器伤调查

目的了解广东省医务人员血源性职业暴露的发生情况,为制定预防措施提供科学的依据。方法采用问卷调查方法,对广东省39所医院医务人员2011年6月锐器伤的发生情况进行横断面调查。结果发放调查表32 617份,回收32 297份,回收率为99.02%;实际有效问卷32 007份,有效率为99.10%。发生锐器伤1 460例,1 909例次,锐器伤发生率为4.56%,例次率为5.96%,平均月发生密度为0.06次/（人月）。发生污染锐器伤1 495例次,污染锐器伤例次发生率为4.67%（1 495/32 007）;污染锐器伤占锐器伤总例次的78.31%（1 495/1 909）,其中61.67%(922/1 495)能追踪到暴露源,38.33%（573/1 495）不能确定其是否具有传染性。血源性污染器械中,81.71%（67/82）为乙型肝炎暴露源,14.63%（12/82）为梅毒暴露源,3.66%（3/82）为丙型肝炎暴露源,无艾滋病暴露源。锐器伤发生的地点主要为普通病房（47.72%）与手术室(20.27%);频率最高的操作是加药(15.92%),其次为医疗废物处置(12.78%)和拔除动（静）脉针（12.21%）;主要医疗器具为一次性注射器 (35.99%)、头皮钢针 (19.43%)和手术缝针(13.41%)。医务人员职业暴露相关知识培训率为93.25%。结论锐器伤是导致血源性传播疾病感染的主要职业因素, 医疗机构应建立健全职业病防治组织机构和规章制度,规范医务人员的血源性职业暴露预防与控制行为,降低血源性职业暴露伤害风险。     

某院医务人员锐器伤目标性监测

目的了解某院医务人员发生锐器伤的人群分布特征和风险环节,为制定有效防护措施提供依据。方法回顾性调查2014年1-12月该三级甲等医院医务人员上报医院感染管理科的职业暴露情况,分析发生锐器伤者的职业类别、暴露地点及环节、暴露源等情况。结果2014年1-12月共监测医务人员2 643名,发生锐器伤61名,其中护士43名（占70.49%）,医生13名（占21.31%）。医务人员锐器伤职业暴露科室主要为骨科（9名,占14.75%）,致伤锐器主要为输液针（33名,占54.10%）,发生的主要操作环节为拔针（21名,占34.43%）;暴露源主要为乙型肝炎病毒（HBV）,共36例（占59.01%）;34名（占55.74%）锐器伤职业暴露医务人员在操作中均未戴手套。锐器伤职业暴露后进行局部处理者54名（占88.52%）,进行药物治疗（含预防用药）者仅18名（占29.51%）;追踪随访43名（占70.49%）,均未因暴露而发生感染。结论医院应建立完善的锐器伤职业暴露监控体系,加强对发生锐器伤高危人群的培训,强化标准预防,对风险环节进行监控和干预,有效减少医务人员锐器伤的发生。     

医务人员职业损伤的研究分析

目的：研究分析医务人员因针头或其他尖锐器具造成损伤的发生率及其原因。方法：对610名医务人员进行问卷调查，被调查人员包括医生，护士，技师和实验工作人员。被调查者通过回顾的方式，如实填写过去一年内皮肤损伤的原因，次数及所采取的预防措施，回收有效问卷581份（95％），结果：在581名被调查者中，共发生1811例次皮肤务污染事件，其中54％是被污染血液后的内孔针头引起的，医务人员清楚地了解，有13％的病人患有乙肝，丙肝，梅毒，艾滋病等可以通过血液传播的疾病，每名医师（技师）每年有2．85次皮肤损伤几率，每名护士每年有3．4次皮肤损伤几率,所有的损伤事故发生后，均采用强力碘等消毒伤口，并有针对性地采取大量盐水冲洗，注射乙肝疫苗，高效免疫球蛋白等措施，结论：医务人员的这种损伤与他们的特殊职业有密切的关联，54％的损伤是在内孔针头充满血液的情况下造成的，具有很高的传播疾病的危险性，因此，应采取针对性的防护安全教育，预防事故发生。     

Medical students' knowledge of sharps injuries

Healthcare workers (HCWs) including medical students are at risk of occupational exposure to blood-borne viruses following sharps incidents including needlestick injuries. The recent Department of Health guidelines recommend that all HCWs entering a career involving exposure-prone procedures should be tested for hepatitis C, making preventative strategies even more relevant. A survey of current medical students' knowledge regarding prevention of sharps injuries in Birmingham, UK was carried out to determine their awareness of these risks and to compare the findings with an earlier cohort of students. Two hundred and fifty-six medical students were enrolled into the study. Their knowledge of needlestick injury, prevention and management had significantly improved compared with the previous study. This demonstrates that intensive teaching and self-learning programmes can improve the knowledge of HCWs and reduce the number of needlestick injuries.     

Risk of needlestick injuries by injection pens

Injection pens are used by patients when auto-administering medication (insulin, interferon, apokinon etc.) by the subcutaneous route. The objective of this study was to evaluate the rate of injection pen use by healthcare workers (HCWs) and the associated risk of needlestick injuries to document and compare injury rates between injection pens and subcutaneous syringes. A one-year retrospective study was conducted in 24 sentinel French public hospitals. All needlestick injuries linked to subcutaneous injection procedures, which were voluntarily reported to occupational medicine departments by HCWs between October 1999 and September 2000, were documented using a standardized questionnaire. Additional data (total number of needlestick injuries reported, number of subcutaneous injection devices purchased) were collected over the same period. A total of 144 needlestick injuries associated with subcutaneous injection were reported. The needlestick injury rate for injection pens was six times the rate for disposable syringes. Needlestick injuries with injection pens accounted for 39% of needlestick injuries linked with subcutaneous injection. In all, 60% of needlestick injuries with injection pens were related to disassembly. Injection pens are associated with needlestick injuries six times more often than syringes. Nevertheless, injection pens have been shown to improve the quality of treatment for patients and may improve treatment observance. This study points to the need for safety-engineered injection pens.     

手术中血源性职业暴露特点分析

目的分析手术中血源性职业暴露的特点,为制定预防和控制对策提供依据。方法调查某三甲医院2016年6月—2017年1月发生的手术中血源性职业暴露病例,调查内容包括医务人员一般资料、职业暴露方式、暴露源及锐器伤器械种类及操作环节等。结果手术中发生血源性职业暴露的医务人员共100名。主要为护士64名(64.00%),其次为医生30名(30.00%)。暴露方式主要为锐器伤88例(88.00%)、眼黏膜暴露10例(10.00%)。暴露源病种主要为乙型肝炎36例(36.00%)、梅毒11例(11.00%)。导致锐器伤的锐器主要为输液器针头(31例,35.23%),其次为注射器针头(24例,27.27%)、缝合针(14例,15.91%)等。锐器伤发生的操作环节主要为术中操作(31例,35.23%)。结论应加强医务人员的职业暴露培训,完善职业暴露的登记和报告流程;严格要求医务人员,尤其是护士在手术过程中应严格按照操作流程规范操作,从而减少手术中血源性职业暴露的发生。     

Occupational needlestick injuries in a metropolitan police force

OBJECTIVES: Police officers are at risk of bloodborne diseases through needlestick injuries but few studies have addressed this problem. The purpose of this study was to assess the risk of needlestick injuries in law enforcement officers and to determine predictors of injuries and reporting rates. DESIGN: An anonymous, voluntary questionnaire was distributed to 1738 active-duty, metropolitan police officers. The survey included the number of needlestick injuries ever experienced, how often these were reported, activities at the time of injury and attitudes toward injuries. RESULTS: Of the 803 respondents (46.2% of survey population), 29.7% had at least one needlestick injury, and 27.7% of this group had two or more. Risk factors included evening shifts, pat-down searches, patrol duties, male gender and less experience. Only 39.2% sought medical attention for these injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Needlestick injuries occur with considerable frequency in this group of law enforcement personnel, suggesting an increased risk of becoming infected with bloodborne pathogens, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.     

Effect of the introduction of an engineered sharps injury prevention device on the percutaneous injury rate in healthcare workers.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of introducing an engineered device for preventing injuries from sharp instruments (engineered sharps injury prevention device [ESIPD]) on the percutaneous injury rate in healthcare workers (HCWs). METHODS: We undertook a controlled, interventional, before-after study during a period of 3 years (from January 1998 through December 2000) at a major medical center. The study population was HCWs with potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens. HCWs who sustain a needlestick injury are required by hospital policy to report the exposure. A confidential log of these injuries is maintained that includes information on the date and time of the incident, the type and brand of sharp device involved, and whether an ESIPD was used. INTERVENTION: Introduction of an intravenous (IV) catheter stylet with a safety-engineered feature (a retractable protection shield), which was placed in clinics and hospital wards in lieu of other IV catheter devices that did not have safety features. No protective devices were present on suture needles during any of the periods. The incidence of percutaneous needlestick injury by IV catheter and suture needles was evaluated for 18 months before and 18 months after the intervention. RESULTS: After the intervention, the incidence of percutaneous injuries resulting from IV catheters decreased significantly (P<.01), whereas the incidence of injuries resulting from suture needle injuries increased significantly (P<.008). CONCLUSION: ESIPDs lead to a reduction in percutaneous injuries in HCWs, helping to decrease HCWs' risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.     

135例血源性病原体职业暴露调查

目的了解血源性病原体职业暴露发生状况,提出预防策略。方法对两所医院2008年1月—2010年12月间发生的135例血源性病原体职业暴露案例进行调查分析。结果职业暴露人群居前3位的依次为:护士54.81%,医生25.19%,工勤人员16.30%;暴露方式以锐器伤为主,占91.11%,常见于拔针及手术缝合时被刺伤;血源性病原体中,乙型肝炎病毒占20.18%,丙型肝炎病毒占2.63%,人免疫缺陷病毒占2.63%,梅毒螺旋体占6.14%。暴露者均及时进行了局部处理及预防性干预,经追踪检测无一例因此发生感染。结论加强职业安全防护教育,实施标准预防,规范操作行为,暴露后正确处理局部,及时上报并采取相应干预措施,能有效降低血源性病原体职业暴露感染风险。     

基层医务人员锐器刺伤与血源性疾病感染风险定量评估

目的定量评估医务人员血源性疾病感染风险。方法调查乡镇卫生院基层医务人员锐器刺伤情况以及乙肝疫苗免疫率,采用Kane模型计算个人年感染概率。结果429名医务人员平均年锐器刺伤率50．82％,每人年刺伤频数为1．05,乙肝疫苗免疫率72．03％。HBV、HCV、HIV每万人年风险感染例数分别为239、99和0．08。结论通过锐器刺伤以及乙肝疫苗免疫率调查可以定量评估医务人员HBV等血源性疾病感染风险。     

Occupational risk of blood-borne viruses in healthcare workers: a 5-year surveillance program.

OBJECTIVE: This study presents the results of a 5-year surveillance program involving the prospective follow-up of healthcare workers (HCWs) in the Veneto region of Italy exposed to blood-borne viruses. DESIGN: All HCWs who reported an occupational exposure to blood-borne infection joined the surveillance program. Both HCWs and patients were tested for viral markers (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg], antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen [anti-HBs], antibody to hepatitis B core antigen [anti-HBc], antibody to hepatitis C virus [anti-HCV], HCV RNA, and antibody to human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]) and had these markers plus transaminases assayed at 3, 6, and 12 months and then yearly thereafter. Moreover, a program of hepatitis B virus (HBV) prophylaxis was offered to those whose anti-HBs levels were less than 10 IU/mL. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred forty-five HCWs (156 women and 89 men) with a mean age of 37 (+/- 10) years who reported occupational exposure during the 5-year period. RESULTS: At the time of exposure, 1 HCW was positive for HBsAg (0.4%) and 2 were positive for HCV RNA (0.8%). Among the patients involved, 28 (11.4%) were positive for HBsAg, 68 (27.8%) were positive for HCV RNA, 6 (2.4%) were positive for HIV, and 147 (60.0%) were negative for all viral markers (4 patients were positive for both HCV and HIV). During the follow-up period after exposure (mean, 2.7 [+/- 1.6] years), there was no increase in transaminases or seroconversions to any of the viral markers. CONCLUSION: Our accurate postexposure follow-up revealed a lack of transmission of HBV, HCV, and HIV.     

Blood‐borne viruses and their survival in the environment: is public concern about community needlestick exposures justified?

BACKGROUND: More than 30 million needle syringes are distributed per year in Australia as a component of harm-reduction strategies for injecting drug users (IDU). Discarded needle syringes create considerable anxiety within the community, but the extent of needlestick injuries and level of blood-borne virus transmission risk is unclear. We have undertaken a review of studies of blood-borne virus survival as the basis for advice and management of community needlestick injuries. METHODS: A Medline review of published articles on blood-borne virus survival and outcome from community injuries. RESULTS: Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can all survive outside the human body for several weeks, with virus survival influenced by virus titer, volume of blood, ambient temperature, exposure to sunlight and humidity. HBV has the highest virus titers in untreated individuals and is viable for the most prolonged periods in needle syringes stored at room temperature. However, prevalence of HBV and HIV are only 1-2% within the Australian IDU population. In contrast, prevalence of HCV is 50-60% among Australian IDUs and virus survival in needle syringes has been documented for prolonged periods. There have been no published cases of blood-borne virus transmission following community needlestick injury in Australia. CONCLUSION: The risk of blood-borne virus transmission from syringes discarded in community settings appears to be very low. Despite this, procedures to systematically follow up individuals following significant needlestick exposures sustained in the community setting should be developed.     

Blood borne viral infections among Danish Health Care Workers – frequent blood exposure but low prevalence of infection

Denmark is a country with low prevalence and incidence of blood borne viral infections. Among health care workers (HCWs) vaccination for hepatitis B is only offered to high-risk groups. The aims of this cross sectional survey were to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B, -C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among the staff at a Danish University hospital and to correlate this with risk factors for transmission. Additionally, we wanted to examine the current frequency of blood exposure, reporting habits and hepatitis B vaccination status in the staff. Of 1439 eligible hospital staffs included, 960 (67%) were HCWs. The overall human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-, hepatitis C Virus (HCV)- and hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-prevalence was 0% (0/1439), 0.14% (2/1439) and 1.6% (23/1439), respectively. Twenty-three percent of HCWs were vaccinated against HBV. Age, blood transfusion and stay in endemic areas were associated independently to HBV infection as opposed to job-category, duration of employment, HBV vaccination status and blood exposure. Based on a 4-week recall period, the incidence of percutaneous blood exposure was 1.5/person-year. In conclusion the HIV and hepatitis prevalence was low despite frequent blood exposure and the principal risk factors were unrelated to work. Danish HCWs do not seem to be at increased risk of hepatitis B even though universal HBV vaccination has not been implemented.     

Risk perception and attitudes towards HIV in Serbian health care workers

BACKGROUND: Health care workers (HCWs) are at risk of occupational exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). AIM: To investigate the perception of professional risk from, and the knowledge, attitudes and practice of HCWs to HIV and AIDS in Serbia. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 1,559 Serbian HCWs using self-administered anonymous questionnaires. Chi-square testing and multiple logistic regression analysis were applied. RESULTS: Eighty-nine per cent of HCWs believed that they were at risk of acquiring HIV through occupational exposure. The perception of professional risk was higher among HCWs frequently exposed to patients' blood and body fluids (OR 7.9, 95% CI 4.4-14.5), who used additional personal protection if the HIV status of patient was known (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.5-4.6), who had experienced sharp injuries within the last year (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.0-3.8) or who had been tested for HIV (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2-3.5), and among HCWs who had treated HIV-positive patients (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.8). The majority of respondents had deficient knowledge about modes of HIV transmission. Attitudes towards HIV-positive patients were significantly different by occupation. Seventy per cent of HCWs used appropriate protection during their daily work with patients. CONCLUSIONS: HCWs require specific educational programmes and training protocols to ensure that they are adequately protected when carrying out high quality care.