Better effect of the use of a needle safety device in combination with an interactive workshop to prevent needle stick injuries

ObjectivesThis study compares the effectiveness of two types of interventions with no intervention on the prevention of needle stick injuries (NSIs).MethodsHealth care workers, who were at risk for NSIs, were eligible for this three-armed cluster randomized controlled trial. In total, 23 hospital wards were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 intervention groups, which were given either a needle safety device and a workshop (NW; 7 wards, n = 267) or a workshop only (W; 8 wards, n = 263), or to a control group (C; 8 wards, n = 266). The primary outcome was the half-year incidence of NSIs, which was measured through questionnaires and official notification at the occupational health service at baseline (T0), 6 months (T1) and 12 months (T2) after baseline. Analysis were done by intention to treat. This study is registered as a prospective randomized trial, number NTR1207.ResultsA statistically significant difference was found between the groups for the half-year incidence of NSIs (p = 0.046) on the basis of questionnaire data with ORs for reported NSIs for the NW group compared with the control group of 0.34 (95% CI: 0.13–0.91) and 0.45 (95% CI: 0.19–1.06) for the W group compared with the control group. The officially registered NSIs during the study period showed no statistical differences between the groups.ConclusionsThe combined intervention of the introduction of needle safety devices and an interactive workshop led to the highest reduction in the number of self-reported NSIs compared to a workshop alone or no intervention.

► Needle stick injuries (NSIs) are frequently occurring occupational risks in hospitals.
► Officially register based notifications underestimate the incidence of NSIs.
► Safety devices and communication are effective measures for reducing NSIs.
► Safety culture and preventive measures seem facilitators for safe behavior.