Scalpel injuries, often categorized under the broader umbrella of sharps injuries, represent a significant and persistent occupational hazard within the medical field. Despite advancements in safety protocols and equipment, these preventable incidents continue to pose substantial risks to healthcare professionals, ranging from minor lacerations to life-threatening infections. This essay will explore the prevalence, causes, consequences, …
Talking About Sharps Injuries
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where a sharps injury occurred , and did you follow up by reporting it? Unfortunately, many sharps injuries go unreported, which only heightens the risk of further injury or exposure of those affected. 🥼 Kristine Little, operating room nurse and consultant for Qlicksmart, features on S. 13 …
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Surgeons Are Saying “No” to Safety Scalpels
Although it has previously been thought that safety scalpels would improve sharps safety, evidence suggests this may not be the case. The term “safety scalpel” is a misnomer- there is no supportive proof that safety scalpels are actually safe. Active devices such as safety scalpels may provide a false sense of security to the end-user, which …
Operating Rooms: A High Risk Environment
Operating rooms are environments with a high risk of sharps injuries due to the frequent use of needles, scalpels, and other sharp instruments during surgical procedures. Sharps injuries can happen anytime in the operating room. Studies show that a significant portion of healthcare worker sharps injuries occur in surgical settings. Nurses on the Front Line …
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Is Your Healthcare Facility Compliant with the Latest EORNA Guidelines?
According to the EORNA Best Practice for the prevention of sharps injuries, perioperative staff should make sure to reduce the risk of injuries posed by medical sharps by implementing safe sharps practices such as the use to safety-engineered devices. These measures should include: Medical devices incorporating safety engineered mechanisms Effective training for staff in their …
Sharps Injuries and the COVID-19 Pandemic
What research conducted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us about sharps injuries in Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Key Points According to a 2021 European Biosafety Network study, sharps injuries surged by 23% during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Royal College of Nursing’s report found that the number of sharps …
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