Characteristics of Sharp Injuries in Anaesthesia Providers in New York State: A Cross-sectional Study
Introduction: Sharp instrument injury, defined as cuts, punches, scratches, nicks, or other injuries that break the skin and thus permit the entry of bacteria and viruses into the body, is the most common hazard faced by health care workers. Anaesthesiologists work in a rapid-paced environment,...
| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited
2018-12-01
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| Series: | Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://jcdr.net/articles/PDF/12383/35259_F(SL)_PF1(AB_SL)_PFA(OM)_PN(SL).pdf |
| Summary: | Introduction: Sharp instrument injury, defined as cuts, punches,
scratches, nicks, or other injuries that break the skin and thus
permit the entry of bacteria and viruses into the body, is the most
common hazard faced by health care workers. Anaesthesiologists
work in a rapid-paced environment, and are at high risk of injury
from sterile sharps while preparing medication or dirty sharps
that have been in contact with patients.
Aim: This field study aimed to determine the incidence and
distribution of sharp injuries among anaesthesia providers in
New York State.
Materials and Methods: The study was performed during
year 2014 among the members of New York State Society
of Anaesthesiologists (NYSSA). A total of 282 anaesthesia
providers including anaesthesiology attendings, residents,
fellow and interns participated in an anonymous online survey
(Survey Monkey) of 18 questions.
Results: Of 2965 NYSSA members polled, 282 anaesthesia
providers responded (9.51% response rate). A total of
248 (95.04%) respondents responded a prior needlestick injury.
A total of 165 (59.14%) experienced dirty sharp injury (DSI)
in the course of their practice, and the most common cause
was hollow bore needles. The most common cause of DSI
occurred while the provider was holding the sharp himself. A
total of 117 (42.4%) respondents had injury even though safety
mechanism was available and used.
Conclusion: Sharp injuries were a common risk to anaesthesia
providers in New York State. Future research should investigate
strategies to reduce injury and improve reporting among
anaesthesia providers. |
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| ISSN: | 2249-782X 0973-709X |