Evaluating the use and acceptability of a needle-remover device in India.
The objective of this study was to assess the effect of the use of a manually operated needle remover on sharps-waste management practices in clinical settings in India - specifically, evaluating its acceptability and performance. Thirty-one Balcan Mini-Destructor needle removers were introduced into seven health facilities in two cities in India - Delhi and Jaipur. One hundred and nineteen health workers, including auxiliary nurse midwives, nurses, and laboratory staff, used the device. Data were prospectively collected by observation and interview on device usage, malfunction and acceptability over a 23-week period. Focus group discussions on current practices were conducted prior to study initiation and, after completion, on device acceptability and performance. The manual needle remover was well accepted. Devices were seen as easy to use and durable. In total, 88,719 needles were removed. In conclusion, the needle-remover device was considered an acceptable method of preventing needle reuse and isolating infectious sharps waste in clinical settings.
Muller
Nancy
N
PATH, Seattle, WA, USA. nmuller@path.org
Steele
Matthew
M
Balaji
K A
KA
Krishna
Madhu
M
Berman
Adriane P
AP
Robertson
Joan
J
Vail
Janet
J
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004209:Disposable Equipment; D004867:Equipment Design; D017144:Focus Groups; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D007194:India; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D017056:Medical Laboratory Personnel / Q000523:psychology; D017744:Medical Waste Disposal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008880:Midwifery; D009339:Needles; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D009726:Nurses / Q000523:psychology
D017744:Medical Waste Disposal