Needle stick injuries (NSIs) can transmit more than 20 blood-borne pathogens, including HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and, more rarely, malaria, human T cell leukaemia virus and Ebola.1, 2 Worldwide, occupational sharps exposure seems to be responsible for about 40% of HBV and HCV infections and 2.5% of HIV infections among healthcare professionals (HCPs).3
To reduce the risk of NSIs, Owen Mumford, a global leader in designing and manufacturing innovative medical devices, has launched Ateria® SafeControl®, the next generation of safety pen needles.
A common problem
Up to 69% of HCPs experience a NSI.1 However, studies have shown that a third of nurses, 38% of trainee doctors and 52% of surgeons did not report incidents.4 So, the number of injuries is probably higher than official estimates suggest.2
The risks of contracting HBV following a sharps injury is about 1 in 3. The risk of HCV and HIV (1:30 and 1:300, respectively) transmission is lower than that for HBV. Nevertheless, the risk after a NSI is much higher than following mucosal exposure to infected body fluids, which is less than 1 in 1000 for HIV.2
The effects of a NSI are psychological as well as physical.5, 6 It has been reported that 12% of trainee doctors who experienced a NSI showed evidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a rate about four times higher than in the general population.5
Protecting HCPs
An independent survey performed on behalf of Owen Mumford7 interviewed 204 HCPs who use passive safety pen needles.
Of these, 81% agreed that using a safety pen needle increases protection against NSIs compared with a conventional pen needle. Moreover, 83% would prefer to use safety pen needles than conventional pen needles.
However, the survey revealed that many HCPs cannot see the needle of passive safety pen as well as they would like with their current device. Of those questioned, 71% agreed that the safety pen needle activates before they finished administering the injection. Of these, 69% agreed that premature activation of the safety pen needle makes them unsure that the full dose of medication has been delivered to their patient. Furthermore, 86% agreed that it is equally important for their pen needle to provide a combination of safety and control of the drug delivery during the injection process.
Ateria SafeControl
Ateria SafeControl, which will be launched at the Diabetes UK Professional Conference in Glasgow, is an active safety pen needle for HCPs who use injection pens to administer medication, particularly to patients with diabetes. It is designed to protect HCPs from NSIs while enabling them to control the overall injection process.
Leanne Adam, Marketing Manager for Owen Mumford UK, commented, “We believe that Ateria SafeControl will provide HCPs with the benefits of a safety-engineered device, while also giving them control of the delivery of medication.
“As a business, Owen Mumford is committed to meeting the needs of HCPs and patients through medical device innovation. This is why we commissioned research to understand the experiences and needs of HCPs during their daily practice, and how this can impact patients’ lives. This approach has led us to develop a solution that is designed to be safe for both HCPs and patients.”
About Owen Mumford
Owen Mumford is a major healthcare company and device manufacturer that commercialises pioneering medical products under its own brand, and custom device solutions for major pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies. Owen Mumford’s goal is to enhance access to diagnostics, encourage adherence to treatment and reduce healthcare costs, making a world of difference to a world of people.
References available on request.
Owen Mumford, Brook Hill Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1TU
Tel: 01993 812021
E: info@owenmumford.com
W: www.owenmumford.com
