What is NSI ? (Needle stick injury)

Ensuring Safety in Healthcare Settings: Needle Stick Injury
This comprehensive presentation explores the critical issue of needle stick injuries (NSIs) in healthcare environments. Created by H.hoda, an OT Technologist, it covers:

1. Definition and causes of needle stick injuries
2. Consequences, including health risks and occupational impacts
3. Prevention strategies, featuring safety-engineered devices and PPE
4. Proper management and post-exposure protocols
5. Innovative solutions to reduce NSI risks

Essential for healthcare professionals, administrators, and safety officers, this presentation provides valuable insights into maintaining a safer healthcare workplace. Learn about the latest advancements, including a novel soft IV needle technology, to enhance patient and practitioner safety.

Keywords: Healthcare Safety, Needle Stick Injury, Infection Control, Occupational Hazards, Prevention Strategies, Post-Exposure Management

1. ENSURING SAFETY IN HEALTHCARE
SETTINGS
NEEDLE STICK
INJURY
By H.hoda
(OT Technologist)

2. NEEDLE STICK INJURY
Needle Stick Injury: A
percutaneous injury caused by a
needle or other sharp object that
penetrates the skin. This type of
injury is particularly concerning in
healthcare environments due to
the risk of transmitting
bloodborne pathogens.
DEFINITION

3. CAUSES OF
NEEDLE
STICK
INJURIES

4. Improper handling of needles and sharps is
one of the most common causes of NSIs.
Key aspects include:
Recapping Needles
Handling During Procedures
Passing Needles
Failure to properly dispose of used needles
and sharps significantly contributes to
NSIs. Key issues include:
Improper Use of Sharps Containers
Unsafe Disposal Practices
IMPROPER HANDLING
INADEQUATE DISPOSAL METHODS

5. NSIs are a significant occupational hazard,
especially in healthcare settings. They occur when
a needle or other sharp object punctures the skin,
potentially exposing individuals to various
infections. Here are the main consequences of
needle stick injuries:
CONSEQUENCES
OF NEEDLE STICK
INJURIES

6. Infection Transmission: NSIs can transmit bloodborne pathogens, leading to
serious infections such as:
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Hepatitis C (HCV)
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Immediate Injury: Beyond infection risks, the puncture wound itself can
cause local injury, pain, and sometimes requires medical treatment.
Psychological Stress: The anxiety of potentially contracting a serious
infection can lead to significant emotional distress.
The waiting period for test results can be particularly stressful.
HEALTH RISKS
PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT

7. Health impact: From local injury, pain to serious health issues (HIV, HCV_B)
Psychological Stress:
Lost work team: Absenteeism due to medical appointments, treatments
Personal Injury Lawsuits: Employees may sue the employer for personal injury
if negligence can be proven (e.g., failure to provide proper training, safety
equipment, or adhere to safe practices).
Discrimination or Retaliation Claims: Employees protected under workplace
safety laws cannot be discriminated against or retaliated against for reporting
needle stick injuries or unsafe conditions.
Reputation Loss: Frequent needle stick injuries or inadequate handling of
such incidents can harm a healthcare institution’s reputation, potentially
leading to a loss of business, patients, or staff.
Impact on Licensing: Repeated needlestick injuries or unsafe practices could
potentially impact a healthcare professional's standing with regulatory bodies
or their employer, leading to potential disciplinary actions or loss of licensure in
extreme cases.
OCCUPATIONAL AND LEGAL CONSEQUENCES

8. PREVENTION
STRATEGIES
In the context of occupational safety, especially in
healthcare settings such as operation theaters, the
prevention strategies involving safety-engineered
devices, proper training, policies, and the use of
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are crucial.
Here's how each strategy contributes to overall
safety

9. PharmaJet Stratis Retractable Needle Luer Lock
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes items designed to protect
individuals from exposure to hazards.
(Gloves, Masks and Respirators, Gowns and Aprons, Eye and Face
Protection, Footwear)
Safety-engineered devices are tools designed to minimize the risk of injury
and exposure to hazardous substances. In healthcare, these include:
Needleless Systems and Safety Syringes
Needleless Connectors (Luer Lock, Valve-Based Systems)
Jet Injectors (PharmaJet Stratis)
Blunt-Tip Surgical Instruments: These reduce the risk of accidental cuts
and punctures.
SAFETY-ENGINEERED DEVICES
USE OF PPE

10. Training and policies ensure that all personnel are aware of the risks and
the correct procedures to mitigate them.
Comprehensive Training Programs: Regular training sessions on the
use of equipment, emergency procedures, and handling hazardous
materials.
Clear Policies and Procedures: Written guidelines on how to perform
tasks safely, including handling sharps, disposing of waste, and dealing
with chemical spills.
Emergency Response Plans: Detailed plans for dealing with
emergencies such as fires, chemical spills, or patient emergencies in the
operating room.
PROPER TRAINING AND POLICIES

11. MANAGEMENT OF
NEEDLE STICK
INJURIES
In the context of occupational safety, especially in
healthcare settings such as operation theaters, the
prevention strategies involving safety-engineered
devices, proper training, policies, and the use of
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are crucial.
Here's how each strategy contributes to overall
safety

12. Stop what you're doing
Encourage bleeding (Allow the wound to bleed gently)
Clean the wound
Disinfect (alcohol or iodine)
IMMEDIATE FIRST AID STEPS
Inform your supervisor
Document the incident
Identify the source
REPORTING THE INCIDENT

13. Seek medical attention
Baseline testing (HIV, Hepatitis B & C)
Vaccination
Risk assessment (assess the need for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
based on the type and severity of the exposure)
MEDICAL EVALUATION AND FOLLOW-UP
HIV PEP: If the source patient is HIV-positive or the risk is high, start PEP within 72 hours of exposure.
The treatment typically involves a combination of antiretroviral drugs taken for 28 days.
Hepatitis B PEP: Depending on your vaccination status, you might receive Hepatitis B immune
globulin (HBIG) and/or start the vaccine series.
Hepatitis C monitoring: Currently, there is no effective PEP. Regular monitoring and early detection of
infection are crucial.
Follow-up testing: (typically 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-exposure) to monitor for any signs
of infection.
POST-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS (PEP)

14. INNOVATION IN IV
NEEDLE TO PREVENT NSI
Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of
Science and Technology (KAIST) in South Korea
have developed an innovative intravenous (IV)
needle that softens upon insertion, minimizing
damage to blood vessels and tissues. The needle
is made from liquid metal gallium, which hardens
at room temperature but becomes soft at body
temperature, reducing injury risks and preventing
needle reuse. Additionally, it can integrate a thin-
film temperature sensor for real-time monitoring.
This advancement is poised to enhance patient
safety and reduce the spread of infections from
needle reuse.

15. THANK YOU