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A study of needle stick injuries among non-consultant hospital doctors in Ireland
M B O'Connor1, M J Hannon, D Cagney
1Department of Medicine, South Infirmary, Victoria University Hospital, Old Blackrock Road, Cork, Ireland. mortimeroconnor@gmail.com
Introduction:
NCHDs are exposed to a great number of blood-borne infections. Needle stick injuries are possibly the main route of acquiring such infections from a non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) perspective. This study examines NCHDs experiences surrounding needle stick injuries.
Methods:
A cross-sectional self-administered anonymous questionnaire survey was conducted on 185 NCHDs working in a clinical setting among seven teaching hospitals in Ireland. Implied consent was obtained. The data was analysed using Excel spreadsheets. Ethical approval was received.
Results:
A response rate of 85.4% (158/185) was achieved. Findings of the study are shown in the manuscript table.
Conclusions:
A needle stick injury (NI) history is greater among surgical NCHDs than medical NCHDs. The level of disposable glove usage is worryingly poor. Training in sharps handling and dealing with a NI needs to be addressed. HIV is the blood-borne infection most fear of being contracting as a consequence of a NI.
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