A Meta-Analysis Study to Decrease the Incidence of Needle Stick Injuries (NSI) Among Laboratory Staff

Abstract Background: The incidence of needle stick injuries in our hospital reached a high level by the end of 2022 (28 recorded cases 16 of them inside the laboratory) which is much higher than the average annual rate for a 150-bed hospital as of last year. Further analysis of the problem revealed that Laboratory, operating room staff were the most vulnerable group to such incidents with their health and psychological implications. Aim of Study: This project aimed to decrease the incidence of needle stick, injuries among laboratory staff, to zero through the implementation of new policies and guidelines, in-service theoretical and practical training, and the securing of high-qual-ity supplies. The success of this project shall be the 1st step in its replication in all hospital areas is to Decrease the inci-dence of needle stick injuries among laboratory staff to zero and eliminate the related medical, social, psychological & cost consequences. Material and Methods: Six Sigma DMAIC methodology for quality improvement was used for this project. Using such an effective methodology, causes for needle stick injuries were uncovered, sorted, and analyzed followed by improvement ef-forts to overcome the gaps in knowledge and safe practice. Intervention: Our improvement project team employed ef-fective remedies that included implementation of the new pol-icy and guidelines for drawing samples, in-service theoretical and practical training for the newly hired Lab staff together and securing high-quality supplies. Results: After two DMAIC Cycles and 6 months of imple-mentation of the new policy and guidelines, effective in-service training, and maintaining high-quality supplies, the incidence of needle stick injuries among Lab staff decreased to zero. Conclusion: Implementation of the new policy and guide-lines for drawing samples, effective in-service theoretical and practical training for the newly hired Lab staff together and securing high-quality supplies were effective strategies that al-lowed the project team to reach its aim. Spreading the project to the whole hospital shall be our future challenge.