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Vol. 4, No. 4 October 1996 |
Sharps Injuries Reporting and the Epi-Net
Sharps Trends
The 1995 review of reported sharps injuries has revealed a continuation (since 1990) of the downward trend in sharps injuries. Although the downward trend is both positive and encouraging, sharps injuries remain as one the most prevalent injuries to health care workers (HCWs). To facilitate the tracking of sharps injuries TTH has recently introduced the EPI-Net System.
The data presented represents only self-reporting of sharps injuries by health care workers (HCWs) and is subject to the limitations of having only numerator data available. Nonetheless, the total TTH HCW population has only decreased by ~ 30% since 1988 and there have been no perceived changes in the behavioral attitudes towards self-reporting of TTH HCWs during this time period.
The EPI-Net System
The Safety department's previous reporting software was extremely limited and this is why the EPI-Net Program is now being implemented. The EPI-Net system, or Exposure Prevention Information Network, was developed by Dr. Janine Jagger of the University of Virginia and has been endorsed by the CHA, CNA, CHICA-Canada, as well as the APPI. EPI-Net is a comprehensive data collection and reporting system. Using standardized forms, a wide range of information can be collected and processed quickly. Previous reporting of sharps accidents could only reliably track occupational status and total injuries.
The EPI-Net Program will allow for tracking of accident locations, devices involved and types of procedures being performed. This added information provided by using the EPI-Net system will permit Infection Control and Safety to pin-point high incidence areas which will aid in the selection, implementation and evaluation of safer products and procedures in these areas.
EPI-Net forms
All employees will be required to fill out an EPI-Net form should an injury occur. Forms will be available in the Occupational Health Clinics. The occupational health nurses will provide assistance in filling out the form. The current incident reporting form must also still be filled out as EPI-Net forms will not be kept in employee health files.
There are two distinct EPI-Net forms; one is for sharps injuries while the other is for body fluid exposures.
As always, all information collected is strictly confidential and will only be used for epidemiologic purposes and statistical analysis to recommend safety improvements in an effort to prevent future injuries.
GUEST EDITOR
Craig Parsons,
Safety Department
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