SAFE IN COMMON Blog

Injection Safety also Means Patient Safety

Many people think “healthcare worker” when they think of injection safety, yet there is another group affected by unsafe injection practices—patients.

10 Years Later, Safety Challenges Remain

The 10 year anniversary of the Federal Needlestick Prevention Act, which mandated the use of Safety-Engineered Medical Devices (SEMDs) within U.S healthcare facilities, is an important global milestone that’s worth commemorating. This is a time to celebrate what has been achieved by the industry in the last 10 years. In particular, thanks must go to visionary U.S healthcare leaders such as June Fisher, Karen Daley, Janine Jagger, Mary Foley, Lynda Arnold, Susan Wilburn and Lisa Black who fought tirelessly for Washington D.C to pass this historic Act.

Enhancing the Effectiveness of Needle Exchange Programs

Needle exchange programs have been shown to be highly effective in reducing the transmission of HIV and, to a lesser extent, HCV among injection drug users (IDUs). One of the most definitive studies of needle exchange programs was carried out in 1997, focusing on 81 cities worldwide. It found that HIV infection rates increased by 5.9% per year in the 52 cities without needle exchange programs, and decreased by 5.8% per year in the 29 cities that did provide them .

Ten Years Safer. But Safe Enough?

It wasn’t enough to simply tell healthcare practitioners and nurses to be careful around needles and syringes. When the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act was signed into law on Nov. 6, 2000, its intent was for employers to identify, evaluate and implement safer medical devices. Today, many experts agree that healthcare settings have become safer environments for clinicians, nurses, other workers and patients. At the same time, they question whether more needs to be done.

Effecting Change One Action At A Time

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead

Our ability to harness the collective power of a community and to effect change has never been greater. Through social media, we can collaborate, co-create and motivate collective action through the power of communities of influence. We can build relationships that connect us in ways where we all benefit. We can change the world.

Consider these three examples of using social media to save lives:

Process of Safe Injections Requires Greater Attention, As Indicated by Prevalence of “Injection Infections”

The use of hollow bore needles continues to be a regular practice for many. Injections are necessary to combat diabetes, to perform intravenous support, to aid in cancer therapy and at times, to bring about an addictive high. Whatever the use, there must always be the realization of the health risks associated with needle use.