Increasing sharp safety device use in healthcare: a semi-structured interview study

The use of sharp safety devices in healthcare is considered the most important means of preventing occupational percutaneous injuries and has been mandated for use in most hospitals in industrialized countries including in Canada. However, clinical personnel's perceptions on the use of safety devices needs further characterization to improve compliance. This study's objective was to identify healthcare provider perspectives on different aspects of sharp safety device use and on how use could be increased. Using a constant comparison approach, data from semi-structured interviews with 39 nurses, physicians and phlebotomists providing direct patient care, and six nurses acting as the interface between clinical personnel and purchasing departments, were analyzed. Study participants were from three of the six health authorities in British Columbia. The four major categories that emerged from the data were: selection processes; identification and replacement; training; and multi-level barriers and facilitators. Findings highlighted the importance of including personnel regularly using safety devices at each stage of their selection including when they are being considered for replacement with superior devices, as well as the need for appropriate initial and refresher training, and how practices at the hospital, ward and individual level facilitate safety device use.