The physical layout of a doctor’s office, operation room, or vaccination area plays a role in safety. If things are laid out properly, injuries can be reduced, tasks can be performed in a more efficient way, and less waste is likely to be produced.
Unfortunately, needlestick injuries are common among healthcare workers. If thought is put into how immunization areas are laid out, these injuries are less likely to occur. The vaccination carrier should not be under a table or in the shade. The immunizer should be between the patient and all sharp objects and needles. The worker should be able to dispose of used needles without stepping away or setting the needle down. Physician assistant safety can play a large role in helping keep the immunization process organized.
Each immunizer should have their own container where they can dispose of used needles if the site is busy. Only one individual should be immunized at a time.
Those responsible for physician assistant safety and other healthcare professionals need to use the same routine when giving injections or immunizations. They should place the needle in the vial. The immunization should be given to the patient. The needle should be placed in the disposal box. These steps should be taken without the healthcare worker putting the needle down. They should not have to take a step to perform any of these tasks.
Learn how Sharp Fluidics, LLC provides clinicians with tools that minimize needlestick injury hazards and improve efficiency in operating rooms by visiting their website.
