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On May 23, 2023, Mrs. Sinduja T, a Staff Nurse, conducted a session on hand hygiene, needle stick injury, biomedical waste (BMW) management, and disinfection for the Department of Anesthesiology. The session was attended by 12 members.
The session began with an overview of hand hygiene, which is a method of cleaning hands to substantially reduce potential pathogens. This practice is crucial for minimizing the risk of transmitting infections among patients and healthcare personnel. The proper steps for hand hygiene were detailed as follows: wetting hands and applying enough liquid soap to create a good lather, rubbing palms together, rubbing the back of hands, interlinking fingers, cupping fingers, cleaning the thumbs, and rubbing palms with fingers.
Next, the treatment and prevention of needle stick injuries (NSI) were discussed. A needle stick injury is an accidental skin-penetrating stab wound from a hollow-bore needle containing another person’s blood or body fluid, putting healthcare workers at occupational risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens. In case of an NSI, it is essential to wash the area gently with soap and running tap water as soon as possible, apply an antiseptic and a clean dressing, and seek prompt medical advice from a local doctor or hospital emergency department, preferably within 24 hours. Safe disposal of the needle is also crucial. Blood-borne diseases that could be transmitted by a needlestick injury include HIV, hepatitis B (HBV), and hepatitis C (HCV). Therefore, thorough washing of the wound with soap and water and seeking immediate medical attention are vital first steps after such an injury.
The session emphasized the importance of hand hygiene and proper response to needle stick injuries to ensure the safety and health of both healthcare workers and patients.
