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Three years after launching a comprehensive needle safety program at BWH, staff and employees have much to celebrate. Through the replacement of needlesafe alternatives and educational outreach, there have been substantial increases in reporting and reductions in needle stick exposures and injuries. To highlight the successes of this hospital-wide effort, and continue educating employees about needle safety, a Needle Safety Fair was held on Monday, May 20 and Wednesday, May 22.
The Fair displayed the latest in needle safe products and devices. Staff also had the opportunity to take a “How Sharp Are You?” safety quiz to learn more about their level of bloodborne pathogen and needle safety understanding and awareness.
“One of the greatest successes of this program has been collaboration and teamwork,” said Tonya Miltier, leader of the Needle Safety Team. “People have pulled together from all across the institution to bring needle safety products to BWH and ensure they are being used. As a result, BWH was ahead of the federal and state legislation, which requires all health care facilities to use needle safety products, and is now a leader in needle safety both in Boston and across the country.”
A team of BWH employees was assembled in 1999 to combat the risk of needle stick injuries. The group’s mission was to ensure that safe needle practices and devices be used in all procedures requiring the use of needles. After taking a thorough inventory of devices and assessing new products on the market, the team collaborated with materials management, physicians, nurses, educators and others to begin standardizing and then replacing equipment. Working closely within the parameters of state and federal legislation that was passed the following year, the Needle Safety Committee completed their implementation of needle safety products in February 2000.
Ongoing throughout the implementation process was constant education and communication. In addition to comprehensive training on the units, more than 100 employees completed a special needle safety training. After attending a safety seminar, these employees then served as needle safety ambassadors, bringing knowledge of new products back to their various pods, floors and departments.
After three years of diligent work, the needle safety team has met their goal of providing a safer environment for all employees at BWH. Hollow bore exposures among doctors has decreased by 33 percent and sharp injuries among nurses have been reduced by 21 percent. While injuries have been reduced, reporting has increased by 16 percent, a positive sign that awareness is on the rise.
For more information about Needle Safety, contact Tonya Miltier at ext. 2-5913 or via email ( tcmiltier@partners.org).