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Recommended Citation
Morby S, Gilmore S. Sharper Focus, Safer Teams: Standardizing Sharps Injury Prevention Across Multiple Sites. Quality Improvement poster presented at Transforming Practice: The Intersection of Technology and Nursing Excellence; Advocate Health Nursing Research and Professional Development Conference 2025; November 12, 2025; Virtual.
Presentation Notes
Quality Improvement poster presented at Transforming Practice: The Intersection of Technology and Nursing Excellence; Advocate Health Nursing Research and Professional Development Conference 2025; November 12, 2025; Virtual.
Abstract
Background:
Healthcare workers (HCWs) remain at risk for sharps injuries, which can lead to transmission of blood-borne pathogens such as HIV (Maina, 2024). Contributing factors include inconsistent safety practices, limited access to real-time data, and insufficient support. Evidence-based prevention strategies emphasize safety-engineered devices, ongoing education, and standardized protocols (Cheetham et al., 2019; Moshksar et al., 2023).
Local Problem:
In 2022, Advocate Health Illinois and Wisconsin reported 1,060 sharps injuries, with 433 involving nurses. Notably, many incidents occurred despite safety mechanisms. Injury rates did not improve in 2023, highlighting the lack of a standardized approach to sharps injury prevention, inconsistent access to best practices and data, insufficient risk awareness, variable device availability, and non-uniform post-injury procedures.
Methods:
A multidisciplinary team—including nursing educators, leaders, safety consultants, employee health, and supply chain representatives—developed and implemented a comprehensive sharps injury prevention toolkit and risk assessment tool. Interventions included revising sharps management processes, introducing an interactive dashboard for real-time data tracking, and deploying passive safety needles in high-risk units. A new database enabled trend analysis and targeted interventions, while staff engagement was fostered through professional governance structures and customized education.
Results:
Sharps injuries declined by 6% across Advocate Health Midwest over one year. Improved access to Employee Health resources contributed to a 99% reduction in unnecessary emergency department visits for HCWs with sharps injuries, with over 97% of cases managed remotely, thus preventing more than 1,200 in-person visits. The interactive dashboard facilitated continuous quality improvement and operational alignment. Standardization enhanced equity and consistency of care for HCWs.
Implications for Practice:
This initiative demonstrates that nursing executive leadership and cross-functional collaboration can achieve measurable improvements in HCW safety and operational efficiency. The project supports Total Worker Health principles and offers a scalable model for reducing sharps-related injuries through data-driven innovation and staff engagement
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
11-12-2025
Sharper Focus, Safer Teams: Standardizing Sharps Injury Prevention Across Multiple Sites
Background:
Healthcare workers (HCWs) remain at risk for sharps injuries, which can lead to transmission of blood-borne pathogens such as HIV (Maina, 2024). Contributing factors include inconsistent safety practices, limited access to real-time data, and insufficient support. Evidence-based prevention strategies emphasize safety-engineered devices, ongoing education, and standardized protocols (Cheetham et al., 2019; Moshksar et al., 2023).
Local Problem:
In 2022, Advocate Health Illinois and Wisconsin reported 1,060 sharps injuries, with 433 involving nurses. Notably, many incidents occurred despite safety mechanisms. Injury rates did not improve in 2023, highlighting the lack of a standardized approach to sharps injury prevention, inconsistent access to best practices and data, insufficient risk awareness, variable device availability, and non-uniform post-injury procedures.
Methods:
A multidisciplinary team—including nursing educators, leaders, safety consultants, employee health, and supply chain representatives—developed and implemented a comprehensive sharps injury prevention toolkit and risk assessment tool. Interventions included revising sharps management processes, introducing an interactive dashboard for real-time data tracking, and deploying passive safety needles in high-risk units. A new database enabled trend analysis and targeted interventions, while staff engagement was fostered through professional governance structures and customized education.
Results:
Sharps injuries declined by 6% across Advocate Health Midwest over one year. Improved access to Employee Health resources contributed to a 99% reduction in unnecessary emergency department visits for HCWs with sharps injuries, with over 97% of cases managed remotely, thus preventing more than 1,200 in-person visits. The interactive dashboard facilitated continuous quality improvement and operational alignment. Standardization enhanced equity and consistency of care for HCWs.
Implications for Practice:
This initiative demonstrates that nursing executive leadership and cross-functional collaboration can achieve measurable improvements in HCW safety and operational efficiency. The project supports Total Worker Health principles and offers a scalable model for reducing sharps-related injuries through data-driven innovation and staff engagement
Affiliations
Sherman Hospital