Percutaneous injury analysis: consistent categorization, effective reduction methods, and future strategies

To report the results of an 8-year analysis of percutaneous injuries (PI), to describe interventions to decrease these injuries, and to discuss future prevention strategies.

Using consistent methods, 881 percutaneous injury reports were reviewed, categorized, and analyzed from 1986 through 1993.

A 620-bed acute-care county teaching hospital located in San Jose, California, that is affiliated with Stanford University Medical School, Palo Alto, California.

Employees of Santa Clara Valley Medical Center who reported percutaneous injuries from 1986 through 1993.

Placement of needle disposal containers in all patient care areas, 1987; education, 1987 to present; communication of percutaneous injury analyses to all departments, 1988 to present; and safety product evaluation and purchases, 1991 to present.

The total number of PI decreased by 65% (P = .0007) from 1986 through 1993. Recapping injuries decreased from 1986 through 1993 by 88% (P < .0002); interventions that included convenient placement of needle disposal containers and consistent annual education may have contributed to this decrease. Injuries from manipulating intravenous lines or heparin locks decreased in 1992 (P < .03) after purchase of a needleless system for intravenous lines. Injuries from improper disposal or from abrupt patient movement did not decrease significantly over the 8-year period.

This institution has conducted percutaneous injury analysis for 8 years, utilizing consistent reviewers and categorization methods. Successful interventions have reduced recapping injuries, injuries from manipulating intravenous lines/heparin locks, and the overall numbers of PI. The categories of "Improper Disposal" and "Patient Moved Abruptly" present challenges for future reductions, as well as the recently identified problem of staff not using available safety devices or using them improperly.