Reduction of needlestick injuries among nurses and healthcare assistants through an intervention: national hospital sri lanka (NHSL)

Abstract

Introduction Cutaneous injuries, resulting from needle sticks, injection devices and sharps are a major issue for all health care workers and cause a considerable threat of spreading blood-related infections like HIV. Aim To reduce NSI among nurses (NO) and health care assistants (HCA) in the NHSL, by assessing the current gaps in the Knowledge, attitude and practice and designing intervention to mitigate the harm and reduce the injuries. Method An Interventional study was conducted in three components, pre-interventional, interventional and post interventional. Random sampling technique was applied to select the appropriate number of nurses and health care assistants. Pre-interventional component: To identify the gaps in the present managerial practices on NSI, a pre-tested structured questionnaire on knowledge, attitude and practices was administered. Interventional component: Two separate in-service programmes were conducted for both categories. WHO recommended injection safety tool kit was also introduced. Post-interventional component: Outcome of the interventions were assessed by measuring the pre- and post-test knowledge, attitude, and practice of the same participants. The same tool was administered. Results Both Groups (NO and HCA) showed a highly significance different after interventions, on Reporting system for NSI: p value (0.05, 0.001). Awareness on Post Exposure prophylaxis (0.003, 0.049). Non–significance difference among nursing officers on Knowledge attitude and practice. All the p values observed 0.05 < and z evident with negative findings. Only Knowledge component among the HCA indicates a significant difference. Conclusion and recommendation It was recommended to conduct more awareness programs and training modules on post exposure management of NSI because it has shown positive Results in both categories. WHO injection safety tool kit has also shown positive Results.