Are Needlestick and Sharp Injuries Associated with Shift Work and Sleep Problems in Nurses? A Systematic Review.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Nursing Safety
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Needlestick and sharp injuries (NSIs) are a significant occupational hazard for nurses.
• Existing research suggests a link between sleep-related factors, like shift work, and occupational accidents, but a comprehensive synthesis is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize the current knowledge on the association between shift work, sleep quality, and NSIs in nurses.
• To explore the relationship between various sleep-related factors and NSIs.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review was performed using major databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO).
• Studies examining the association between NSIs and sleep problems were included.
• Sleep factors were categorized into shift work, sleepiness, sleep quality, hypnotic use, and other personal/work-related factors.

Main Results:

• Twenty-four articles were included in the review.
• Shift work and poor sleep quality were consistently linked to a higher risk of NSIs.
• Evidence on sleepiness and hypnotic use was inconclusive; however, increased workload and unsafe practices like needle recapping were also identified as contributors.

Conclusions:

• Sleep-related variables, including shift work and sleep quality, are significantly associated with NSIs in nurses.
• Institutions should prioritize optimizing shift schedules and reducing nurse workload to enhance worker safety.
• Developing targeted safety education and protocols is essential to reduce the incidence of NSIs.