Includes bibliographical references.

Abstract

Percutaneous injuries are accidental penetration of skin through a stab wound caused by needles and sharps. Healthcare workers in the healthcare settings are at the highest risk of getting injured. Understanding and managing the safe handling and practices of needles and sharps help prevent it from happening. Thus it is the intent of this study to appreciate the importance of infection control by management and reporting. There were 170 nurses from selected hospitals in the city of Tagbilaran who participated. Questionnaires with consent were distributed in order to gather the data of their experience, identify the factors, the reporting of injuries and the actions taken. Results have manifested that syringes and ampules are the most common needlestick and sharp injury experienced by nurses in the performance of duty. Recapping was the common cause of injury. Fifty seven percent of the injuries were reported and immediate first aid was given. The 43% of the injury that were not reported was because of the reason that the respondents could not be bothered. The study concluded that most of the injury were reported and managed through immediate action and infection control was being complied. It is highly recommended to abide by the occupational health and safety protocols.

College of Health Sciences Graduate Studies Master of Arts in Nursing with specialization in Nursing Administration and Supervision

Text in English