Published in:
01-06-2011 | Brief Report
Hospital-based needlestick use and injuries by Dublin interns in 2010
Published in: Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) | Issue 2/2011
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Background
Needlestick injuries (NSI) remain an occupational hazard for doctors. Previous reports suggested that needlestick practice among interns could be improved.
Aims
We aimed to report the current occupational sharp practice and experience amongst a modern cohort of Irish interns.
Methods
A self-designed questionnaire was distributed among interns at two Dublin-based teaching hospitals.
Results
Thirty-one interns completed a self-designed questionnaire. Notably, only 26% routinely wore gloves when performing phlebotomy like tasks; 35% considered their training adequate; 26% had suffered a NSI within the first 8 months of work—over half occurred between 0000 and 0800 hours. There was a higher rate of reporting NSI than in historical reports.
Conclusion
Improvements have been made in occupational health management of NSI. However, practical preparation for internship continues to remain a concern. Efforts are needed to reduce unnecessary risk of suffering a NSI among our junior doctors.