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SAGE Publications, Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 7(97), p. 326-327, 2004

DOI: 10.1177/014107680409700705

SAGE Publications, Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 7(97), p. 326-327, 2004

DOI: 10.1258/jrsm.97.7.326

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Needle-stick injuries in the National Health Service: a culture of silence

Journal article published in 2004 by B. Elmiyeh, I. S. Whitaker ORCID, M. J. James, C. A. A. Chahal, A. Galea, K. Alshafi
This paper is available in a repository.
This paper is available in a repository.

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Abstract

Injury by contaminated sharp instruments and needles constitutes a major occupational hazard for healthcare workers. In a confidential survey at a district general hospital, 300 healthcare professionals were asked about their personal experience of needle-stick injury and their attitudes to reporting. 279 individuals responded, of whom 38% had experienced at least one needle-stick (mean 1.8) in the past year and 74% had sustained such an injury during their careers (mean 3.0). Although 80% of respondents were aware that such incidents should be notified, only 51% of those affected had reported all needle-stick injuries. Doctors were less likely to report than nurses, despite a higher liability to injury. This survey adds to evidence of a culture of silence pertaining to needle-stick injuries. The consequent risks to health, and the ethical and financial implications, remain uncertain.