title: The usability and acceptability of a needleless connector system.
abstract: Needleless connectors were introduced into clinical practice to reduce the rate of needlestick injuries to healthcare workers (HCWs). There have, however, been limited reports of user acceptability of these devices. The usability and acceptability of the Clearlink needleless connector (Baxter Healthcare, UK) was therefore completed by HCWs at University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust following a 12-month clinical evaluation. Seventy percent (28/40) of HCWs reported that they would prefer to use Clearlink needleless connectors rather than conventional luers caps, 15% (6/40) would use either, and only 15% (6/40) preferred to use luer caps. In total, 85% of HCWs reported that Clearlink was acceptable to use in the clinical situation. The results demonstrate that comprehensive training and technical support both before and after new device implementation were essential to ensure a smooth transition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Control, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.
authors.forename: Anna L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Casey
authors.forename: Tom Sj
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Elliott
mesh_terms: D001207:Asepsis / Q000295:instrumentation; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures; D002983:Clinical Competence; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004739:England; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007318:Inservice Training; D008283:Maintenance; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D009790:Occupations; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012449:Safety; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires