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Needlesticks linked to needle use and work schedules

Infection Control Monitor, August 17, 2007

Despite advances in protecting healthcare workers from needlestick injuries, extended work schedules and their physical demands are contributing to injuries and illnesses in nurses, a study found.

Almost 16% of nurses reported a history of needlestick injuries in the past year, according to a study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. The number of needles nurses used each day was significantly related to the odds of sustaining a needlestick injury, the study concluded.

Hours worked per day, weekends worked per month, working other than day shifts, and working 13 or more hours per day at least once a week were also significantly associated with injuries. "Such working conditions, if modified, could lead to further needlestick injuries," the researchers concluded.

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