| Document ID (ISN) | 110629 |
| CIS number |
10-0285 |
| ISSN - Serial title |
0340-0131 - International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health |
| Year |
2008 |
| Convention or series no. |
|
| Author(s) |
Wicker S., Jung J., Allwinn R., Gottschalk R., Rabenau H.F. |
| Title |
Prevalence and prevention of needlestick injuries among health care workers in a German university hospital |
| Bibliographic information |
Jan. 2008, Vol.81, No.3, p.347-354. Illus. 37 ref. |
| Abstract |
Health care workers (HCWs) are exposed to various bloodborne pathogens through job-related risk factors including needlestick injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency and causes of needlestick injuries in a German university hospital. Data were obtained by an anonymous, self-reporting questionnaire. The share of reported needlestick injuries which could have been prevented by using safety devices was estimated. 31.4% of participant HCWs had sustained at least one needlestick injury in the last 12 months. A wide variation in the number of reported needlestick injuries was evident across disciplines, ranging from 46.9% among medical staff in surgery and 18.7% among HCWs in pediatrics. Of all occupational groups, physicians have the highest risk to experience needlestick injuries (55.1%). On average 34% of all needlestick injuries could have been avoided by the use of safety devices. Other findings are discussed. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
Germany; needle-stick injuries; hospitals; health care personnel; frequency rates |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
design of equipment; questionnaire survey; safety by design; safe working methods |
| Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
| Subject(s) |
Commerce, services, offices
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Biological hazards
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Health care services
Risk evaluation
Safety programmes
|
