A Research Report On Needlestick Injury

1.0 Introduction

It has come to our attention that three of your hospitals located in South Africa have failed the annual healthcare facility inspection, examined by our organization inspectors last week. The inspection involved three health inspectors, where they were assigned in three different hospitals; each inspector observed the healthcare workers for 24 hours. All three hospitals have failed to comply with the proper needle handling method, demonstrating potential hazard can occur to both staff and patients in South Africa. Throughout this analytical report, it would bring out an awareness on how needlestick injuries are a huge threat towards healthcare workers due to high rate of blood-borne diseases present in South Africa. This will also prove that a huge issue, like needlestick injury, can be easily prevented with the cooperation of all staff in the hospital.

1.1 Problem

Needlestick injury is the piercing of the skin caused by a needle, which was in contact with blood or other body fluids, before the exposure. It is very important that appropriate precautions are taken to prevent needlestick injuries, to avoid any untreatable blood-borne diseases. The common blood-borne diseases that have infected healthcare workers are Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers. During the inspection, nurses who were assigned to draw blood were seen handling the needlestick carelessly, leaving our organization concerned about their safety. This organization’s goal is to provide equipment and support for all countries, especially developing countries with any healthcare issues. Staff in hospitals should view needlestick injuries as a serious concern towards their employees and should tak...

... middle of paper ...

...ous experiments completed at hospitals around the world, researchers have verified that engineered safety needle are 80% effective compared to other needles (Kakizaki, 2014). Countries like Canada, have regulations where it is mandatory that engineered safety needles are being used in all healthcare settings. With the help of the World Health Organization and Universal Fund Coverage, the funds can be received for hospitals with a high rate of needlestick injuries, or can purchase enough for all beginner staff in hospitals. The drawback of this device is the pricing of the needles, which can range from 45 to 75 million dollars for certain quantities. (Kakizaki, 2014) The needle required takes one month to be implemented into hospitals, which can be used for long-term use. South Africa would soon notice the decrease in needlestick injury rates after the implementation.