Epidemiology of Sharps Injuries in Eye Hospital in Saudi Arabia- 2013

This is a prospective study of ongoing surveillance system data of sharp injury for 7 years from 2006-2012 in DESH. Surveillance system of sharp injury in the hospital is self- reporting system of injured HCWs to infection control department to receive post exposure management and care. Surveillance system of sharp injury collects data on demography, job category (doctor, nurse and technician &allied workers), place of injury, site of injury, tool of injury, and task performed during injury.

A total of 42 HCWs were injured during the 7 years period. Nurses sustained 50.0% (n=21) of sharps injuries, technicians 31% (n=13) and doctors 19% (n=8). Theatre was the most common location for injuries 54.8% (n=23) followed by clinic, wards and laboratory at 11.9% each. Needle whether hollow bore or surgical needle was the most culprit injury tool 83.3% (n=35). Handling the instrument represented 47.6% (n=20) of circumstances of injury followed by injuries during the procedures 31% (n=13). There was a median rate of 3.8 sharps injuries per 1000 procedures per year and a range of 2.1- 5.7.

This study shows special pattern of sharp injuries in ophthalmic practice in this eye hospital which can be effectively reduced by target education to HCWs and evaluation of methods to reduce sharps injuries in OR by ophthalmologists.