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An Effective Educational Program to Reduce the Frequency of Needle Recapping

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 June 2016

Bruce S. Ribner  and
Barbara S. Ribner
Bruce S. Ribner*
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, and the Medical Service, Asheville Veterans' Affairs Medical Center, Asheville, North Carolina
Barbara S. Ribner
Affiliation:
Department of Patient Management Services, Park Ridge Hospital, Fletcher, North Carolina
*
Medical Service, Asheville VA Medical Center, Asheville, NC 28805
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Abstract

We developed an educational program that reported the rate of needle recapping to healthcare workers, in conjunction with emphasis on appropriate disposal procedures. Over 12 months, the rate of recapping needles used for venipuncture and for percutaneous medication injections fell from 61% to 16% (p<.0001). Over the same period, the recapping of needles used primarily for intravenous (IV) administration fell from 44% to 33% (p = .03). Re-evaluation of the rate of recapping eight months later showed a continuation of these lowered rates. Needlestick injuries were too few in number during the study period to detect any change accompanying the decreased recapping rate. We conclude that programs that report back to employees their rate of recapping can significantly reduce this activity in the disposal of needles used for venipuncture and for percutaneous medication injections. While such reporting may reduce the rate of recapping of needles used for IV administration, the effect is not nearly so marked. Modifications in design remain the most promising approach to preventing needlestick injuries from recapping needles used for IV administration.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 11 , Issue 12 , December 1990 , pp. 635 - 638
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 1990

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