Research study needle-safety

A
ccidental needlestick injuries (NSIs) are
the predominant sharps-related problem in
industrialised countries (Prüss‐Üstün et al,
2005). NHS Employers estimates that there are
approximately 40 000 NSIs a year and recognises

that the true figure may be twice this, as many go unreported
(NHS Employers, 2015). Measures to prevent sharps injuries can
best be implemented using initiatives identified in the European
Directive (European Council, 2010). The directive announced the
modification of work practices that pose a risk of sharps injury
in order to make them safer and introduced a complete end to
the recapping of needles. It promoted a range of initiatives to
prevent NSIs, such as training, use of needle-safety devices (NSDs),
using sharps containers and improved treatment and care after an
NSI has occurred. The author will focus on training and safety
devices as these have been recognised as making the most impact
in reducing NSIs (Beswick et al, 2012; Cheetham et al, 2016).

Do training and needle-safety devices
prevent needlestick injuries?
A systematised review of the literature
Ann-Marie Aziz

ABSTRACT
This systematised review was undertaken to appraise research on the effects
of training and the use of needle-safety devices (NSDs) on the prevention of
needlestick injuries (NSIs) among health workers, focusing on a European
perspective. A literature search from 2007 to 2017 was performed, which
identified six studies that investigated the introduction of training and NSDs
and their affect on NSIs. The six chosen studies identified that training, as
well as the adoption of NSDs, has an impact on preventing NSIs. However,
further information is required on the content and mode of delivery of training
and on which types of NSDs are most effective at preventing injuries. This
will help healthcare workers to understand and implement the most effective
strategies to prevent injuries. This article provides a critique of the research
approaches used in the six studies.

Key words: Needlestick injuries ■ Needle safety devices ■ Needlestick
injury prevention

Ann-Marie Aziz, Clinical Lead: Infection Control and Prevention,
Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester,

Accepted for publication: July 2018

Method
This systematised review focused on research from a European
perspective, gathering information on studies that have been
undertaken in European countries, highlighting measures that
have helped to reduce NSIs prior to and after the introduction
of European legislation (European Council, 2010). A search of
the literature from 2007 to 2017 was performed, stipulating
those studies that were available in English.

To achieve evidence-based healthcare, it is recommended that
clinicians formulate clinical questions in terms of the problem/
population, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO)
(Huang e