Leveraging Partnerships to Reduce Insulin Needlestick Injuries

This study is a quality improvement project aimed at reducing needlestick injuries (NSIs) among healthcare workers in an integrated, not-for-profit health system. The project, conducted from June 2018 through May 2020, involved a strategic collaboration that included assessing internal injection practices, standardizing product selection, and implementing safe practice education. The study documented a significant reduction in the average monthly incidence of NSIs during the study year compared to the baseline year, with an incidence rate ratio of 0.49. Financially, the project resulted in an estimated annual cost savings of $28,671 attributed to NSIs averted and $3,500 in supply savings. The study also included monitoring and compliance measures to ensure adherence to safe injection practices. Limitations of the study include a short timeline and the applicability of results to other healthcare facilities. The findings may provide a practical template for other health systems aiming to improve worker safety.