Needle Stick Injuries in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bihar - Current Indian Scenario

BACKGROUND Needle Stick Injuries caused by hypodermic needles, intravenous stylets or other sharps are an occupational hazard as these can lead to transmission of bloodborne pathogens. This study was conducted to understand the pattern of Needle Stick Injuries (NSIs) in our hospital settings. METHODS An observational retrospective study was conducted in a 600 bedded Tertiary Care Hospital in Kishanganj, Bihar. A total of 87 NSIs were encountered during the study period from April 2018 to March 2019 using NACO guidelines. Data was entered into a computer-based spreadsheet for analysis using SPSS statistical software, version 19. The statistical tests applied included descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to observe the association, if any. RESULTS Direct HCWs like Nursing Professionals and Doctors sustained more NSIs. Staff with >2 years of experience sustained less NSIs. Staff who received training on awareness and prevention of NSIs within the last 6 months sustained less NSIs. Introduction of engineered safety devices brought about an overall reduction in the NSI rate per 100 occupied beds from 7.83% to 6.67%, a reduction by 14.81%. This reduction in NSI rate was statistically significant (p value=0.003). CONCLUSIONS There is a definite role of experienced staff and frequent trainings in reducing NSIs. This study brought out another very significant observation not reviewed previously in Indian settings, the use of engineered safety devices in bringing down NSIs. Certain policy recommendations at the National Level to strengthen monitoring and surveillance to safeguard HCWs from occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens is also felt.