Experience in using of safety-engineered medical devices and related needlestick injuries in healthcare workers in regional hospitals and medical centers
Journal
Taiwan Journal of Public Health
Journal Volume
41
Journal Issue
2
Pages
200
Date Issued
2022-04
Author(s)
Abstract
Objectives: The incidence of sharps injury in Taiwan has declined after the enactment of the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act. However, some healthcare workers still use conventional devices in high-risk procedures, and some safety-engineered medical device (SEMD) users experience sharps injury. In this study, we explored the problems of using SEMDs in regional hospitals and medical centers in Taiwan. Methods: We included healthcare workers who had sharps injury due to the use of SEMDs. The interviews focused on the process of sharps injury and participants' experience of using SEMDs. We analyzed the interview data by using the qualitative content analysis method. Results: Twenty-five healthcare workers were interviewed. We noted that the participants did not find the use of SEMDs to be sufficiently convenient. This indicated that SEMDs were not easy to use and that improper training and unfavorable work environment further reduced their use. Our findings also revealed that replacement of SEMDs were not comprehensive, especially in the procedure of the physicians. Conclusions: We recommend the manufacturers to improve the existing SEMDs and introduce more types of SEMDs. Healthcare facilities should involve the users in the purchase process, provide appropriate training, and establish a more convenient work environment for promoting the use of SEMDs.
Publisher
Taiwan Public Health Association
Type
journal article