Improving Doctors' Knowledge and Practices on Needle-Stick Injury Prevention and Management: A Two-Cycle Clinical...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Infectious Disease Prevention
• Clinical Audit

Background:

• Needle-stick injuries (NSIs) are a significant occupational hazard for healthcare professionals, posing risks of transmitting bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
• Despite established guidelines for immediate wound care, use of safety devices, and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), knowledge and adherence are often suboptimal, particularly in resource-limited settings.
• This study aimed to assess and improve doctors' awareness, knowledge, and practices concerning NSI prevention and management at Al Managil Teaching Hospital.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the baseline awareness, knowledge, and practices of doctors regarding needle-stick injury (NSI) prevention and management.
• To assess the impact of targeted educational interventions on improving doctors' understanding and adherence to NSI prevention protocols.
• To identify specific gaps in knowledge and practice related to NSIs for future intervention strategies.

Main Methods:

• A two-cycle closed-loop clinical audit was conducted involving 50 doctors in high-risk departments at Al Managil Teaching Hospital.
• Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing demographics, sharps safety knowledge, NSI management, training, reporting, and awareness of immunization and PEP protocols.
• Interventions between cycles included educational sessions, posters, and guideline distribution, followed by re-administration of the questionnaire to measure changes.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed across all assessed domains following educational interventions.
• Awareness of correct first aid for NSIs increased from 72% to 100%, and knowledge of safety-engineered devices as the most effective preventive measure rose from 14% to 100%.
• Knowledge regarding HBV transmission, sharps disposal, training, reporting, and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) initiation within 72 hours all demonstrated marked increases, reaching near-universal levels in most areas.

Conclusions:

• Targeted educational interventions are highly effective in significantly enhancing doctors' knowledge and awareness of NSI prevention and management.
• The audit highlights the critical importance of continuous training, safe sharps disposal, and robust reporting systems for occupational safety.
• Sustained institutional commitment and adherence to national guidelines are essential for translating improved knowledge into lasting reductions in NSI-related risks.