Needle-stick injuries in primary care in Wales.
BACKGROUND
Accidental needle-stick injuries (NSIs) are a hazard for health-care workers and for the general public.


OBJECTIVE
To estimate the presentation rate of NSIs to general medical practices, their relation to practice characteristics, and review practice policies for managing NSIs.


METHODS
Descriptive study using logistic regression analysis.


RESULTS
Annual rates of 2.73 (95% CI 2.08, 3.50) occupational NSIs per 100 clinical practice staff and 2.14 (95% CI 1.39, 3.13) non-occupational NSIs per 100,000 practice population were recorded. Stepwise logistic regressions showed that chance of a practice reporting at least one occupational NSI in previous five years was best predicted by being a single-handed practice (decreased odds). In contrast, the chance of a practice reporting at least one non-occupational NSI was best predicted by being a rural practice (increased odds). About one in five practices possessed no written policy on managing NSIs. Stepwise logistic regressions showed that the chance of a practice owning a NSI policy was best predicted by being located in an LHB area with a coastline (increased odds).


CONCLUSIONS
NSIs are an important public health issue in Wales. We have tried to address the lack of guidance by developing new guidelines in Wales.
Atenstaedt
R L
RL
National Public Health Service for Wales, UK. robert.atenstaedt@nphs.wales.nhs.uk
Payne
S
S
Roberts
R J
RJ
Russell
I T
IT
Russell
D
D
Edwards
R T
RT
D005194:Family Practice / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D016134:Organizational Policy; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011216:Practice Management, Medical; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014852:Wales / Q000453:epidemiology