How Sharp Objects Injuries Impact our Healthcare Workers: Unveiling Perspective and Preventive Imperatives

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Healthcare Safety

Background:

• Sharp object injuries are a prevalent occupational hazard for healthcare workers (HCWs), leading to potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
• Limited research exists on sharp object injuries in Jordan, particularly concerning HCWs beyond nurses and nursing students.
• Understanding the causes and consequences of these injuries is crucial for implementing effective preventive strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence, causes, and consequences of sharp object injuries among HCWs in a Jordanian hospital.
• To identify high-risk procedures and affected demographics to inform targeted safety interventions.
• To highlight the importance of reporting and prevention in mitigating occupational hazards.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective, institutional-based, cross-sectional chart analysis of reported sharp object injuries.
• Data extracted from injury report sheets for cases occurring between 2018 and 2023.
• Adherence to ethical guidelines including the Declaration of Helsinki and HIPAA.

Main Results:

• A total of 146 HCWs reported injuries, with an overall prevalence of 11.83%.
• Physicians (28.08%) and nurses (26.02%) were most affected. Needle recapping (36.30%) and medical waste treatment (21.92%) were leading causes.
• The left hand was the most frequently injured body part (56.84%). No seroconversions were documented.

Conclusions:

• Sharp object injuries remain a significant threat to hospital employees, carrying risks of immediate harm and long-term health consequences.
• Healthcare institutions must address root causes, promote reporting, and implement robust prevention strategies to enhance staff safety.
• Underreporting is influenced by time constraints, fear of repercussions, and perceived insignificance of injuries, necessitating a supportive reporting environment.