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Review
. 2017 Sep 29:10:225-235.
doi: 10.2147/MDER.S140846. eCollection 2017.

Clinical, economic, and humanistic burden of needlestick injuries in healthcare workers

Catherine E Cooke  1 , Jennifer M Stephens  2
Affiliations
Review

Clinical, economic, and humanistic burden of needlestick injuries in healthcare workers

Catherine E Cooke et al. Med Devices (Auckl). .

Abstract

Introduction: Needlestick injuries (NSIs) from a contaminated needle put healthcare workers (HCWs) at risk of becoming infected with a blood-borne virus and suffering serious short- and long-term medical consequences. Hypodermic injections using disposable syringes and needles are the most frequent cause of NSIs.

Objective: To perform a systematic literature review on NSI and active safety-engineered devices for hypodermic injection.

Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and COCHRANE databases were searched for studies that evaluated the clinical, economic, or humanistic outcomes of NSI or active safety-engineered devices.

Results: NSIs have been reported by 14.9%-69.4% of HCWs with the wide range due to differences in countries, settings, and methodologies used to determine rates. Exposure to contaminated sharps is responsible for 37%-39% of the worldwide cases of hepatitis B and C infections in HCWs. HCWs may experience serious emotional effects and mental health disorders after a NSI, resulting in work loss and post-traumatic stress disorder. In 2015 International US$ (IntUS$), the average cost of a NSI was IntUS$747 (range IntUS$199-1,691). Hypodermic injections, the most frequent cause of NSI, are responsible for 32%-36% of NSIs. The use of safety devices that cover the needle-tip after hypodermic injection lowers the risk of NSI per HCW by 43.4%-100% compared to conventional devices. The economic value of converting to safety injective devices shows net savings, favorable budget impact, and overall cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion: The clinical, economic, and humanistic burden is substantial for HCWs who experience a NSI. Safety-engineered devices for hypodermic injection demonstrate value by reducing NSI risk, and the associated direct and indirect costs, psychological stress on HCWs, and occupational blood-borne viral infection risk.

Keywords: blood-borne pathogens; healthcare personnel safety; injections; occupational injuries; safety-engineered devices.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Frequency of NSIs by device, n=557. Notes: Data from EPINet. Abbreviations: EPINet, exposure prevention information network; NSIs, needlestick injuries.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Work locations where reported sharps injuries occurred, n=592. Notes: Data from EPINet. The sum is >100% due to rounding. Abbreviation: EPINet, exposure prevention information network.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Humanistic impact of NSIs. Notes: Data from Green B and Griffiths EC. Abbreviations: NSIs, needlestick injuries; PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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