June 15, 2001
As part of the hospital's ongoing commitment to providing a
safe environment for patients, visitors and employees, the Needlestick Reduction Task
Force is in the process of introducing two new medical products. These products have
improved safety features to help reduce the risk of injuries to those who use and dispose
of them.
According to Elisha (Skip) Atkins, MD, chair of the Needlestick Reduction Task Force, the new devices — IV catheters — have been extensively evaluated and tested by MGH physicians and nurses. These evaluations have shown that the new devices are the best available for use in most areas of the hospital, other than in pediatric units and the operating rooms. "We hope to introduce these new products with the greatest possible attention to clinicians needs and with minimum disruption to patient care," says Atkins. "They do require a somewhat different technique, which those who participated in the evaluations felt could be learned fairly quickly."
The MGH has long been committed to ensuring that the hospital is a safe place for its employees. In 1991, the Needlestick Reduction Task Force was established. This multidisciplinary group is comprised of representatives from Anesthesia, Patient Care Services, Occupational Health, Infection Control, Environmental Services, Materials Management, Pharmacy, Laboratories and the MGH health centers.
The goal of the task force is to provide a safe environment by reducing employee exposure to blood and body fluids. For example, a needleless IV system and safety IM/SC needles were introduced in the 1990s, resulting in a 40 percent reduction in exposures. The task force has led the hospital's renewed efforts since 1999 by continuing to evaluate and introduce new sharp devices with safety features.
For more information about the new products,
visit the Needlestick Safety intranet website at http://is.partners.org/nrtf/needlestickhome.htm
or visit the Needlestick Safety information table in the Main Corridor June 19.
"Don't get stuck" contest
In an effort to increase awareness and share information about needlestick safety, the Needlestick Reduction Task Force is sponsoring an employee contest. MGHers are invited to share their best techniques for preventing needlestick injuries. For example, some clinicians carry an extra set of protective gloves in case they encounter a situation that puts them at risk of getting stuck by a sharp device.
The results of the contest will be posted on the Needlestick Safety website as a "best practices" resource for other MGH clinicians. To enter the contest, MGHers can send their needlestick safety advice along with their names, departments and phone numbers to hotline@partners.org, or visit the Needlestick Safety website at http://is.partners.org/nrtf/needlestickhome.htm.
Return to the June 15 table of contents