Analysis of needlestick and sharps injuries (NSSI) in a tertiary level hospital: A 6-year review study

Abstract

This study aims to determine health care workers’ (HCW) causes of injuries, and changes in these injuries according to years by analyzing notification forms made by HCWs in a tertiary hospital between 2018 and 2023 due to needlestick and sharps injuries (NSSI) and provide suggestions to managers for prevention of injuries. The study was a descriptive, single-center, retrospective study. It included data on the number of injuries reported by HCWs in a training and research hospital during 2018-2023. The year of injury to HCWs, the unit in which the injury was sustained and the type of injury instrument were evaluated. NSSI rate was determined using the “Healthcare Quality Standards Indicator Management Guide”. Obtained data were analyzed and interpreted through tables created with SPSS 26.0 statistical software and Microsoft® Excel software. The study found that a total of 74, 105, 69, 55, 82 and 118 NSSIs were reported in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. For 2018-2023, rates were 11.1%, 15.8%, 20.1%, 11.7% and 12.2%, respectively. Considering all years, the highest NSSI rate was found in 2020 (20.1%) by year. lowest NSSI rate was found in 2018 (11.1%). In 6 years between 2018 and 2023, the highest number of NSSI reports came from clinics/services. These units are followed by intensive care units, emergency departments, and operating rooms. It was observed that nurses/midwives (54) and doctors (25) were most likely to be exposed to NSSIs based on title. It was found that HCWs were exposed to the majority of needle-tipped NSSIs in all years. The results of the study indicate that most at-risk occupational groups are nurses among health workers. It is recommended to increase training activities, especially in high-risk groups, and to facilitate follow-up and reporting procedures after notification to prevent NSSI.

Keywords

• Health institutions
• health workers
• Needlestick and Sharps Injuries (NSSI)
• tertiary hospital

References

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