Evaluation of the acceptability of a needleless vascular-access system by nurses

Needleless intravenous-access devices have been introduced in an effort to reduce needlestick injuries and possible transmission of blood-borne pathogens to health care workers. However, there are no data on the acceptance of these devices by nursing personnel.

A survey of nursing personnel was taken at Indiana University Medical Center after introduction of a needleless intravenous device to determine their opinion after use of the needleless device.

The majority of the nurses (72 of 94, 70%) had a favorable overall opinion of the device. Among those with a favorable opinion, 76% (55/72) responded that reduced risk of needlestick injury was the most important reason. Among those who had a negative opinion about the needleless-device system, 32% (7/22) reported that contamination risk was their major concern. Those who were trained before device use were more likely to properly use and maintain the needleless intravenous-access system. Of 89 respondents, 75.3% (67/89) believed that the initial training was adequate; however, 43% (29/67) thought that additional training after using the device for some time would have been beneficial.

Comprehensive education programs that include training before and after device use are necessary if new needleless intravenous-access systems are to be successfully introduced and accepted by nursing personnel.