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Importance of Safety Devices used in Healthcare Facilities

ALHE 4060

DR. MASINI

Rachel Hammons CLT, NCA

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Importance of Safety Devices used in Healthcare Facilities

ALHE 4060

DR. MASINI

Rachel Hammons CLT, NCA

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Contaminated needle sticks happen in all areas of the healthcare field

• Surgery

• Outpatient labs

• Hospitals

• Opthamology

• Home Healthcare

• Environmental services

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Steps to take if a needle stick occurs

• Immediately wash the wound with soap and water.

• Notify supervisor and start reporting process

• Identify patient in question

• Test both patient and employee for HIV,Hep B, Hep C

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Steps to take continued

• Consent forms need to be signed.

• Report injury to employee services

• Employee is sent to physician for

counseling and treatment

• Document occurrence

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Occurance of needle stick injuries

41%

17%

42%

Using needle on apatient

During or afterdisposal of a needle

Before or afterdisposal of a sharpsdevice

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Healthcare agencies

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)– Bloodborne Pathogen Standard– employee training and continuing education

• Center for Disease Control (CDC)

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Safety devices

• Safety scalpel

• Safety-Lok needle with tubing known as the “butterfly”

• luer adapters

• needles with safety guards

• Lancets

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Protective equipment

• gloves

• lab coats

• goggles

• gowns

• masks

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Selecting safety devices

• Simple and obvious in operation

• Cost effective

• Keep employees involved in selection

• Compare suppliers

• check around to see what other facilities are using

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Reducing needle stick injuries

• Manufacturers need to continue researching ideas, which could make for a safer working environment.

• Employees need to be trained correctly on how to activate the safety devices and proper disposal of used needles.

• Both employee and employer need continuing education

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Different needles can cause injury

• hypodermic needles

• needles used in IV delivery systems

• blood collection needles

• suture needles

• lancets

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Examples of Safety Devices

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Important reminders

• Never recap a contaminated needle

• Put all dirty sharps devices into designated containers

• Never overfill or stick your hand into a biohazard container