2 2 S U P P L E M E N T T O O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6
You need an extra push to retract the
needle, push a sheath forward with
your thumb after an injection, push a
button to retract a needle after drawing
blood, or slide a sheath forward with
your thumb after using a scalpel.
Several devices, however, do work
automatically. For instance, there's a
Huber needle with a mechanism that
automatically activates when the needle is withdrawn from a port, which pre-
vents the needle from being exposed again.
Also take the time to implement basic work-practice controls such as verbal
cueing and hands-free passing. Also, make sure sharps disposal containers are as
close to the point of use as possible and are the right size for the devices being
used. And keep in mind that containers need to be replaced when they're three-
quarters full. If there's a way to provide a medication without using a needle, med-
ical providers should be made aware of it, and alternative methods should be
explored. Anything that removes the use of a needle helps to prevent sharps
injuries.
3. Report all incidents
It's well documented that the underreporting of sharps injuries is significant.
That may be for any number of reasons, including lack of familiarity with
reporting procedures, the perception that reporting and the follow-up process
may take too long, the feeling that injuries are low-risk, and the fear of repercus-
sions from administration. It's crucial to foster an environment in which work-
ers are able to easily report injuries, and one that emphasizes the importance of
reporting — both to ensure timely and appropriate follow-up care and to pre-
vent similar injuries in the future. Anecdotal evidence suggests that younger
caregivers are more likely to report their injuries — that's promising and some-
• FINAL POINT The safe disposal of sharps is just as important as
avoiding injury while the devices are in use.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
