Venous thromboprophylaxis: reducing needlestick injury

be substantial and may increase with the long-term treatment of associated serious infections (Lee et al 2005). The incidence of needlestick injury is under-reported (Wilburn and Eijkemans 2004). Approximately 75% of these injuries are thought to be preventable by informing and educating healthcare professionals on the appropriate procedures to minimise the risks associated with handling and disposing of sharp objects (Bandolier Extra 2003). One study reported that only 55% of nurses had received training on safe needle use, and 28% had not received information on the risks of contracting a blood-borne disease following a needlestick injury (Ball and Pike 2008). The use of needles is associated with several other problems. Fear of needles can cause anxiety and emotional distress, not only for the patient, but also for the healthcare professional administering the injection. The emotional effect on the person injured may be significant, regardless of the potential transmission of infection, and may evoke or intensify feelings of fear linked with future needle use (Lee et al 2005). The injection itself may be associated with discomfort, a burning sensation and painful subcutaneous haematomas at the injection site, which may worsen with duration of treatment. If a haematoma occurs at the injection site, an alternative site is required for subsequent injection. There is also evidence from patients and staff that ready-to-use syringes require concentrated effort to remove the rubber protection caps (Mengiardi et al 2009). This handling problem may result in non-adherence by the self-administering patient and increase the risk of needlestick injury for both patients and healthcare staff. Venous thromboprophylaxis: reducing needlestick injury