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Select and enter your organization’s figures to estimate your investment in scalpel safety.

The Value Analysis Calculator is best viewed in a computer desktop or tablet in landscape mode.

View Disclaimer and Instructions for the calculator

Direct cost of Uncomplicated scalpel cuts

This section refers to uncomplicated scalpel cuts ; ie where the skin is broken but where the injury does not result in surgery or a blood-borne infection.

Research Data

Research Data

Question 1b : How many uncomplicated scalpel injuries occur in your organisation PER YEAR?

Low:

Wong, A., Nguyen, H., Eley, R., & Sinnott, M. (2020). Purchase data; a proxy for safety status. The Journal of hospital infection, S0195-6701(20)30235-8. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2020.05.004

High:

Eisenstein HC, Smith DA: Epidemiology of reported sharps injuries in a tertiary care hospital. J Hosp Infect 1992, 20(4):271-280.
Question 1c : What is the estimated cost per uncomplicated scalpel cut?

Low:

Kanamori H, Weber DJ, DiBiase LM, Pitman KL, Consoli SA, Hill J, Sickbert-Bennett EE, Rutala WA: Impact of Safety-Engineered Devices on the Incidence of Occupational Blood and Body Fluid Exposures Among Healthcare Personnel in an Academic Facility, 2000–2014. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology 2016, 37(5):497-504.

High:

Kanamori H, Weber DJ, DiBiase LM, Pitman KL, Consoli SA, Hill J, Sickbert-Bennett EE, Rutala WA: Impact of Safety-Engineered Devices on the Incidence of Occupational Blood and Body Fluid Exposures Among Healthcare Personnel in an Academic Facility, 2000–2014. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology 2016, 37(5):497-504..

If your organisation’s data is not available, click on the corresponding research data for calculations

1a. How many standard scalpels does your organisation use PER YEAR?

Low
Mid
High

1b. How many uncomplicated scalpel cuts occur in your organisation PER YEAR?

Low
Mid
High

1c. What is the estimated cost per uncomplicated scalpel cut?

Low
Mid
High

Clear Calculate

Your estimated costs for uncomplicated scalpel cuts are $0 PER YEAR

Direct cost of Complicated Injuries resulting in surgery

This section refers to complicated scalpel injuries where surgery is required, incurring further costs than an uncomplicated scalpel cut.

Research Data

Research Data

Question 1e : What is the cost of surgery to repair a severed tendon/artery/nerve?

Low:

Lad, S. P., Nathan, J. K., Schubert, R. D., & Boakye, M. (2010). Trends in median, ulnar, radial, and brachioplexus nerve injuries in the United States. Neurosurgery, 66(5), 953-960. https://doi.org/10.1227/01.neu.0000368545.83463.91

High:

Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. (2009). Scalpel safety-staying safe while working on the cutting edge. Environment of Care News, 12, 6-11.
Question 1f : What are the rehabilitation costs following a surgical repair due to a scalpel injury?

Low:

Wali AR, Park CC, Brown JM, Mandeville R: Analyzing cost-effectiveness of ulnar and median nerve transfers to regain forearm flexion. Neurosurgical focus 2017, 42(3):E11.

High:

Porter M, Kaplan R, Frigo M: MANAGING HEALTHCARE COSTS AND VALUE. Strategic Finance 2017, 98(7):24-33.

If your organisation’s data is not available, click on the corresponding research data for calculations

1d.Over 10 YEARS, how many scalpel injuries which occur in your organisation require surgery?

1e. What is the cost of surgery to repair a severed tendon/artery/nerve?

Low
Mid
High

1f. What are the rehabilitation costs following a surgical repair due to a scalpel injury?

Low
Mid
High

Clear Calculate

Your estimated costs for complicated scalpel injuries which require surgery are $0 PER YEAR (averaged for costs over 10 years)

DIRECT COST OF COMPLICATED INJURIES RESULTING IN BLOOD-BORNE INFECTIONS

This section refers to complicated scalpel injuries where the injury results in a blood-borne infection, incurring further costs than an uncomplicated scalpel cut.

Research Data

Research Data

Question 1g : Over 10 YEARS, how many scalpel injuries which occur in your organisation cause the below blood-borne infections?
HIV

Low & High Prevalence:

Rapiti E, Pruss-Ustun A, Hutin Y: Sharps injuries : assessing the burden of disease from sharps injuries to health-care workers at national and local levels. In: WHO Environmental Burden of Disease Series. WHO; 2005.

Low & High Transmission Rate:

Wilburn SQ: Needlestick and sharps injury prevention. Online J Issues Nurs 2004, 9(3):5.
Hepatitis B

Low & High Prevalence:

Patel EU, Thio CL, Boon D, Thomas DL, Tobian AAR: Prevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis D Virus Infections in the United States, 2011–2016. Clinical Infectious Diseases 2019.

Low & High Transmission Rate:

Rapiti E, Pruss-Ustun A, Hutin Y: Sharps injuries : assessing the burden of disease from sharps injuries to health-care workers at national and local levels. In: WHO Environmental Burden of Disease Series. WHO; 2005.
Hepatitis C

Low & High Prevalence:

Rapiti E, Pruss-Ustun A, Hutin Y: Sharps injuries : assessing the burden of disease from sharps injuries to health-care workers at national and local levels. In: WHO Environmental Burden of Disease Series. WHO; 2005.

Low & High Transmission Rate:

CDC: Public Health Service Guidelines for the Management of Health-Care Worker Exposures to HIV and Recommendations for Postexposure Prophylaxis. In: MMWR. vol. 47; 1998: 1-28.
1h. What is the ANNUAL cost to your organisation per case for the treatment of the below blood-borne infections:
HIV Cost

Low:

Return on investment 2: Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of needle and syringe programs in Australia 2009. http://www.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/illicit-pubs-needle-return-2-toc~illicit-pubs-needle-return-2-int#int4

High:

2000 Federal Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act - FAQs. http://www.orprecautions.com/needlestickact.html
Hepatitis B Cost

Low:

Robotin M, Patton Y, Kansil M, Penman A, George J: Cost of treating chronic hepatitis B: comparison of current treatment guidelines. World journal of gastroenterology 2012, 18(42):6106-6113.

High:

2000 Federal Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act - FAQs. http://www.orprecautions.com/needlestickact.html

Life span:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3924100/.
Hepatitis C Cost

Low:

Lee WC, Nicklasson L, Cobden D, Chen E, Conway D, Pashos CL: Short-term economic impact associated with occupational needlestick injuries among acute care nurses. Current Medical Research and Opinion 2005, 21(12):1915-1922.

High:

2000 Federal Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act - FAQs. http://www.orprecautions.com/needlestickact.html

Life span:

https://www.healthline.com/health/hepatitis-c/hepatitis-prognosis-and-life-expectancy#cirrhosis-and-liver-cancer-outlook

If your organisation’s data is not available, click on the corresponding research data for calculations

1g. Over 10 YEARS, how many scalpel injuries which occur in your organisation cause the below blood-borne infections:

HIV

Low
Mid
High

Hepatitis B

Low
Mid
High

Hepatitis C

Low
Mid
High

Other blood-borne infection/s

1h. What is the ANNUAL cost to your organisation for the treatment of the below blood-borne infections:

HIV cost

Low
Mid
High

Hepatitis B cost

Low
Mid
High

Hepatitis C cost

Low
Mid
High

Other blood-borne infection/s cost

Clear Calculate

Your estimated costs for complicated scalpel injuries which result in a blood-borne infection are $0 PER YEAR (averaged for costs over 10 years)

YOUR ESTIMATED RESULT

Your total estimated cost is:

$0.00 per year

Your result compared to the research data:

$0
$2,000,000
RESEARCH DATA (LOW):
$0 per year
YOUR RESULT :
$0 per year
RESEARCH DATA (HIGH):
$0 per year

Calculate Indirect Costs

Select and enter your organization’s figures to estimate your investment in scalpel safety.

The Value Analysis Calculator is best viewed in a computer desktop or tablet in landscape mode.

View Disclaimer and Instructions for the calculator

Workplace Safety Regulations Non-Compliance

Research Data

Research Data

Question 2b : What is the average fine/penalty amount per violation or breach?

Low:

OSHA Penaties 2019. https://www.osha.gov/penalties/ & https://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/industryprofile.stand?p_esize=&p_stand=19101030&p_state=FEFederal&p_type=3

High:

OSHA Penaties 2019. https://www.osha.gov/penalties/

If your organisation’s data is not available, click on the corresponding research data for calculations

2a. In the past 10 YEARS, how many fines/penalties has your organisation received due to a violation or breach of workplace regulations (Eg. OSHA, WHS Act).

2b. What is the average fine/penalty amount per violation or breach?

Low
Mid
High

Injury Litigation

Research Data

Research Data

Question 2d : What was the average cost to your organisation per lawsuit or litigation?

Low:

https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/search-judgments/judgment?id=daaf8aa6-8980-69d2-b500-ff0000d74aa7
£3,500 GBP was converted to $4,369 USD

High:

Perry J: Yale to Pay $12.2 Million in Largest-Ever Award in Needlestick Case. Advances in Exposure Prevention 1998, 3(3):26.

If your organisation’s data is not available, click on the corresponding research data for calculations

2c. In the past 10 YEARS, how many times has your organisation been part of a lawsuit due to a scalpel injury?

2d. What was the average cost to your organisation per lawsuit or litigation?

Low
Mid
High

Compensation to Employee

Research Data

Research Data

Question 2f : What is the average compensation amount per scalpel cut/injury?

Low:

Shah SM, Bonauto D, Silverstein B, Foley M: Workers' compensation claims for needlestick injuries among healthcare workers in Washington State, 1996-2000. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2005, 26(9):775-781.

High:

Williams JAR, Sorensen G, Hashimoto D, Hopcia K, Wagner GR, Boden LI: Impact of Occupational Injuries on Nonworkers' Compensation Medical Costs of Patient-Care Workers. Journal of occupational and environmental medicine 2017, 59(6):e119-e124.

If your organisation’s data is not available, click on the corresponding research data for calculations

2e. How many compensation claims has your organisation had to pay IN THE PAST 10 YEARS due to scalpel cuts/injuries?

2f. What is the average compensation amount per scalpel cut/injury?

Low
Mid
High

INSURANCE PREMIUM

2g. In the past 10 YEARS, how many times has your organisation been subject to an increase in your insurance premium due to a scalpel cut/injury?

2h. What is the average increase to your insurance premium due to scalpel cuts/injuries?

Clear Calculate

YOUR ESTIMATED RESULT

Your total estimated cost is: $0.00 per year

Your result compared to the research data:

$0
$2,000,000
RESEARCH DATA (LOW):
$0 per year
YOUR RESULT :
$0 per year
RESEARCH DATA (HIGH):
$0 per year

Calculate Equipment Costs

Select and enter your organization’s figures to estimate your investment in scalpel safety.

The Value Analysis Calculator is best viewed in a computer desktop or tablet in landscape mode.

View Disclaimer and Instructions for the calculator

Research Data

Research Data

Question 3a : How many standard scalpels does your organisation use PER YEAR?

Low:

These prices are based on actual retail prices of the products as of December 2019. Tender or contracted prices may differ.

High:

These prices are based on actual retail prices of the products as of December 2019. Tender or contracted prices may differ.
Question 3b : How many “safety scalpels” does your organisation use PER YEAR?

Low:

These prices are based on actual retail prices of the products as of December 2019. Tender or contracted prices may differ.

High:

These prices are based on actual retail prices of the products as of December 2019. Tender or contracted prices may differ.

If your organisation’s data is not available, click on the corresponding research data for calculations

3a. How many standard scalpels does your organisation use PER YEAR?

What is the cost per standard scalpel blade?

Low
Mid
High

3b. How many “safety scalpels” does your organisation use PER YEAR?

What is the cost per safety scalpel?

Low
Mid
High

3c. How many needle counters does your organisation use per year?

What is the cost per needle counter?

Low
Mid
High

Clear Calculate

YOUR ESTIMATED RESULT

Cost per year when using BladeFLASK
scalpel blade remover
Cost per year when using BladeCASSETTE
scalpel blade remover
Cost per year when using BladeNeedleSYSTEM
scalpel blade remover
Cost per year when using
“safety” scalpels

Go to Report

Download your Report, which includes your results from the Value Analysis Calculator

changing cost & additional information on investing in scalpel safety equipment.

Your report

Organisation name:

*

Your name:

*

E-mail address:

*

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Report

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This is a customised report on the costs of sharps injuries from scalpel blades in your organisation and the potential savings generated from investment in safety equipment. The calculations are based on the figures you provided in the Qlicksmart Value Analysis Calculator tool.

Page 1 / 9

Sharps safety is mandated

The use of Safety-Engineered Devices (SEDs) to prevent sharps injuries is mandated in regulations and industry standards, including:

Page 2 / 9

Working through the calculations to implement SEDs for scalpel safety

p4
    Scalpel safety equipment cost
p5
    Savings from safety equipment: direct cost of scalpel injuries
p6
    Savings from safety equipment: indirect cost of scalpel injuries
p7
    Cost to change to scalpel safety equipment
p8
    Unmeasured savings from safety equipment
p9
    References
Page 3 / 9

Estimated safety equipment cost

Cost to buy SEDs which are compliant, based on your yearly scalpel usage:

Cost per year when using BladeFLASK
scalpel blade remover
Cost per year when using BladeCASSETTE
scalpel blade remover
Cost per year when using BladeNeedleSYSTEM
scalpel blade remover
Cost per year when using
“safety” scalpels

How was this calculated?

[ (number of standard scalpel blades + number of safety scalpels) / capacity of SED ] x the US retail price of the SED

Page 4 / 9

Savings from safety investment

Direct costs of scalpel injuries to your organisation:

Your organisation’s total estimated direct costs are: $0.00 per year 1

* BBI = blood-borne infection

Your organisation’s direct costs could be as high as: $0.00 per year 2

How was this calculated?

1.Based on the figures you imputed in Tab 1 of the Value Analysis Calculator

2.Based on the research data shown in Tab 1 of the Value Analysis Calculator, considering how many standard scalpels your organisation uses per year

* Prices are expressed as USD

Page 5 / 9

Savings from safety investment

Indirect costs of scalpel injuries to your organisation:

Your organisation’s total estimated indirect costs are $0.00 per year 1

Workplace safety non-compliance fine/penalty - $0.00
Injury litigation - $0.00
Compensation to employee - $0.00
Insurance premium penalty - $0.00

Your organisation’s direct costs could be as high as $0.00 per year 2

How was this calculated?

1.Based on the figures you imputed in Tab 2 of the Value Analysis Calculator

2.Based on the research data shown in Tab 2 of the Value Analysis Calculator.

* Prices are expressed as USD

Page 6 / 9

Cost to Change to scalpel safety equipment

Cost to change to using commercially-available Safety-Engineered Devices (SEDs) which are compliant (if your result is negative- this is a saving):

Using BladeFLASK
scalpel blade remover
Using BladeCASSETTE
scalpel blade remover
Using BladeNeedleSYSTEM
scalpel blade remover + needle counter
Using
“safety” scalpels

How was this calculated?

+ Cost of SED (from page four)

+ scalpel blades (your current scalpel blades + scalpel blade to replace safety scalpels, as required)

- cost of redundant equipment due to the use of SED (eg. Needle counter when using BladeNeedleSYSTEM)

- direct costs of scalpel injuries to your organisation (from page five)

- indirect costs of scalpel injuries to your organisation (from page six)

Page 7 / 9

Potential savings from safety investment

Operational, Human, and Reputational Costs not included in the Value Analysis Calculator

Operational Costs

Human Costs

Reputational Costs

Lost time & productivity n

Emotional distress and anxiety n,q

Delayed service delivery p

Administration expenses o

Burnout q

Tarnished reputation p

Retraining p

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder r

Loss of key, experienced staff p

Counselling services n

Affect on staff morale p

Page 8 / 9

References

a)
The Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/645/made
b)
The Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists. (2018). Minimum Standards of Clinical Practice for Members of the Institute of Chiropodists and Podiatrists. Retreieved from https://iocp.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Minimum-Standards-IOCP-2017-v1-1.pdf
c)
Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act, H.R. 430, 106th Cong. (2000)
d)
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. (2008). Workbook for Designing, Implementing & Evaluating a Sharps Injury Prevention Program. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/sharpssafety/pdf/sharpsworkbook_2008.pdf
e)
Association of Surgical Technologists. (2017). AST Guidelines for Best Practices for Sharps Safety and Use of the Neutral Zone. Retrieved from https://www.ast.org/uploadedFiles/Main_Site/Content/About_Us/Standard_Sharps_Safety_Use_of_the_Neutral_Zone.pdf
f)
Croke, L. (2019). Guideline for sharps safety: The official voice of perioperative nursing the official voice of perioperative nursing. AORN Journal, 110(4), P8-P10.doi: http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.library.uq.edu.au/10.1002/aorn.12850
g)
Council Directive 2010/32/EU implementing the Framework Agreement on prevention from sharp injuries in the hospital and healthcare sector concluded by HOSPEEM and EPSU. (2010). Official Journal of the European Union, 134:66. Retrieved from https://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2010:134:0066:0072:EN:PDF
h)
Verordnung des Bundesministers für Arbeit, Soziales und Konsumentenschutz zum Schutz der Arbeitnehmer/innen vor Verletzungen durch scharfe oder spitze medizinische Instrumente (Nadelstichverordnung - NastV). (2013). Retrieved from https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/Dokumente/BgblAuth/BGBLA_2013_II_16/BGBLA_2013_II_16.pdfsig
i)
Valtioneuvoston asetusterävien instrumenttien aiheuttamien tapaturmien ehkäisemisestä terveydenhuoltoalalla. (2013). Retrieved from https://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/alkup/2013/20130317
j)
Verordnung zur Neufassung der Verordnung über Sicherheit und Gesundheitsschutz bei Tätigkeiten mit Biologischen Arbeitsstoffen und zur Änderung der Gefahrstoffverordnung . (2013). Retrieved from http://www.bmas.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/PDF-Meldungen/neufassung-biostoffverordnung.pdf;jsessionid=35EE1C2EBB9DC997C987B6FC1A2BEAF0?__blob=publicationFile
k)
Protezione dalle ferite da taglio e da punta nel settore ospedaliero e sanitario (2014). Gazzetta Ufficiale, n.57. Retrieved from https://www.gazzettaufficiale.it/eli/id/2014/03/10/14G00031/sg
l)
The Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/645/made
m)
National Health and Medical Research Council. (2019). Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare. Canberra: National Health and Medical Research Council
n)
Mannocci, A., De Carli, G., Di Bari, V., Saulle, R., Unim, B., Nicolotti, N., La Torre, G. (2016). How Much do Needlestick Injuries Cost? A Systematic Review of the Economic Evaluations of Needlestick and Sharps Injuries Among Healthcare Personnel. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 37(6), 635-646. doi:10.1017/ice.2016.48
o)
Walsh, L. (2006). Sharps injuries in dental practices: getting the point. Australasian Dental Practice, January/February, 66-68.
p)
National Audit Office. (2003). A safe place to work - Improving the management of health and safety risks to staff in NHS trusts. Retrieved from London.
q)
Cooke, CE., Stephens ,JM., Clinical, (2017). Economic, and humanistic burden of needlestick injuries in healthcare workers. Med Devices (Auckl), 10:225-235. doi:10.2147/MDER.S140846
r)
Worthington, M. G., Ross, J. J., & Bergeron, E. K. (2006). Posttraumatic stress disorder after occupational HIV exposure: two cases and a literature review. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 27(2), 215-217.
Page 9 / 9
Want to learn more?
To find out more about scalpel injuries in healthcare and the value of single-handed safety-engineered devices, contact Qlicksmart today.
We can help your organization with sourcing the latest data, conducting a trial, and sharps safety education programs to prevent the costs of scalpel cuts.

+61 7 3844 1182

hello@qlicksmart.com

www.qlicksmart.com

Level 1, 148 Boundary st, West End, QLD,4101 Australia

Copyright © 2020 Qlicksmart (ABN 37033096995).

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