Needlesticks with safety devices and accident prevention: an integrative review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify in the literature the efficacy of needlesticks with safety devices to reduce the occurrence of occupational accidents with exposure to biological material among health workers. METHOD: Integrative literature review, structured in the stages: Guiding question, search, categorization of studies, evaluation, discussion and interpretation of results, and synthesis of knowledge. Search for original articles and systematic reviews on the main bases of the Health area, published from 2000 to 2016 in Portuguese, English and Spanish, with descriptors: needlesticks injuries, exposure to biological agents, needles, protective devices, occupational accidents, accident prevention and health personnel. RESULTS: We selected eleven articles, most characterized the passive safety devices as more effective in reducing the occurrence of injuries by needlesticks. CONCLUSION: The use of needlesticks with safety devices reduces the occurrence of accidents, bringing greater solvency when combined with the training of workers.