Impact of introduction of sharps containers and of education programmes onthe pattern of needle stick injuries in a tertiary care centre in India

Documentation of needlestick injuries was started in the Christian Medical College Hospital, Vellore in 1993. In 1995 large sharps containers were int roduced, accompanied by an intensive education programme. Details of docume nted injuries from 1993 to 1999 were analysed using the Epi-Info software. A total of 347 injuries occurred, mainly due to improper disposal of needle s, re-capping and carelessness during use. The percentage of injuries attri buted to disposal fell from 69.2% in 1995 to 38.5% in 1996 (after the educa tion programme). A further decrease was noted after the additional introduc tion of small sharps containers. In 1995, 73% of injuries involved housekee ping staff, this fell to 12% in 1998. Relatively simple interventions decre ased the numbers of injuries, and we recommend that all healthcare institut ions should have a system of documenting needlestick injuries, and take mea sures to decrease their incidence. (C) 2001 The Hospital infection Society.