Inadequate infrastructure for follow-up after needlestick injuries in the Netherlands

OBJECTIVE: To determine how needle-stick injuries are dealt with in the Netherlands. DESIGN: Study using questionnaires. METHOD: In order to study whether victims of needle-stick injuries have access to proper treatment, we sent questionnaires to hospitals (n = 103) and Municipal Health Services (MHS) (n = 36) in the Netherlands. We enquired after the possibilities of risk-estimation and follow-up, the performance of necessary laboratory tests, direct administration of preventive medication and backup facilities. RESULTS: Questionnaires were returned by 113 (81%) institutions. 74% of the hospitals and 71% of the MHS provided follow-up for needle-stick injuries from outside their own institution. Necessary laboratory tests were not always available or sometimes could not be performed on an immediate basis. In addition, essential medication was not always directly available. MHS recognized the advantage of cooperation during followup of needle-stick injuries more than hospitals. CONCLUSION: Based on the results there is no guarantee that victims of needle-stick injuries in the Netherlands have access to appropriate care at any location in the Netherlands on a 24/7 basis. We recommend improvement of the infrastructure and cooperation between health care organizations to guarantee improved follow-up in every region.