NSIs were prospectively monitored for 2 years (2005-2006) after the introduction of SEDs and compared with prospectively collected preintervention NSI data (2000-2004).
Preintervention hollow-bore NSI rates over 10 years persisted at a constant rate between 3.01 and 3.77 per 100 full-time equivalent employees (FTE) (P = .31). Rates for 2005 (1.93; 95 % CI: 1.48-2.47 per 100 FTE) and 2006 (1.50; 95 % CI: 1.11-1.97 per 100 FTE) were significantly lower than the average rate for the preintervention years (3.39; 95 % CI: 2.7-4.24 per 100 FTE, P = .00004). This represents a fall of 49 % (43.1 % -55.7 % ) in hollow-bore NSI, contributed to by the virtual elimination of NSI related to accessing IV lines. More importantly, high-risk injuries were also reduced 57 % by retractable syringe use with an overall budgetary increase of approximately US $90,000 per annum.
Introduction of SEDs results in an impressive fall in NSI with minimal cost outlay.