UK safety-engineered device use: changes since the 2013 sharps regulations.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare safety
• Occupational health
• Medical device regulation

Background:

• UK regulations mandate safety-engineered devices (SEDs) to protect healthcare staff from sharps injuries.
• A rise in reported occupational exposures suggests potential issues with SED use or reporting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the utilization and effectiveness of safety-engineered devices (SEDs) in UK hospitals.
• To analyze sharps container contents to assess compliance with safety regulations.

Main Methods:

• Reusable sharps containers (RSCs) were analyzed from UK hospitals in 2013 and 2016.
• Hollow-bore needles (HBNs) were categorized based on device type, activation status, and disposal method.

Main Results:

• SED utilization increased from 70% in 2013 to 93% in 2016.
• Despite increased use, 22% of SEDs were not activated, and 20% of sharps were discarded improperly in 2016.
• Significant reductions were observed in uncapped needles and sharps discarded 'sharp' over the study period.

Conclusions:

• While SED use has improved, suboptimal practices like non-activation and improper disposal persist.
• Enhanced training and consistent adherence to safe sharps handling protocols are recommended.
• Promoting individual accountability in safety practices is essential for reducing occupational exposures.