There would be a small cost to print the posters in each unit, but nothing extravagant. In order to promote the implementation, the department reporting the least amount of needle sticks per month would be given a small reward such as a free department lunch or movie tickets.
The program can be evaluated by the number of needle stick injuries reported. The nurses will have to be trusted to actually report an injury should one occur. If the number is consistently lowered, the plan is successful. Also, if the number of injuries continues to go down then that means that the perception of needle stick injuries is no longer viewed as an injury that is of little importance. Once the nurses adapt to the seriousness that a needle stick injury can cause, they will be more apt to prevent such injuries. This will result in a win-win situation for not only the nurse, but for coworkers, family members and the healthcare facility as a whole. The displayed posters and yearly compliance training will both serve as daily and yearly reminders to the nurses of the importance of working together to prevent needle stick injuries.
References
Alamgir, H., Cvitkovich, Y., Astrakianakis,...
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Chelenyane, M., and Endacott, R. (2006). Self reported infection control practices and perceptions of HIV / AIDS risk among emergency department nurses in Botswana. Accident and Emergency Nursing, 14(3), 148-154.
Harris, S.A. And Nicolai, L.A. (2010). Occupational exposures in emergency medical service providers and knowledge of and compliance with universal precautions. American Journal of Infection Control, 38(2), 86-94.
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Leigh, J.P., Wiatrowski, W.J., Gillen, M., and Steenland, N.K. (2008). Characteristics of persons and jobs with needle stick in a national data set. American Journal of Infection Control, 36(6), 414-420.
