Abstract
Background: It is important to determine the factors that predict whether nurses accept and use a new intravenous (IV) safety device because there are approximately 800,000 needlesticks per year with the risk of contracting a life-threatening bloodborne disease such as HIV or hepatitis C.
Objectives: To determine the predictors of nurses' acceptance of the Protectiv(R) Plus IV (Trademark JJM) catheter safety needle device at a teaching hospital in Texas.
Method: A one-time cross-sectional survey of nurses (N = 742) was conducted using a 34-item questionnaire. A framework was developed identifying organizational and individual predictors of acceptance. The three principal dimensions of acceptance were (a) satisfaction with the device, (b) extent to which the device is always used, and (c) nurse recommendations over other safety devices. Measurements included developing summary subscales for the variables of safety climate and acceptance. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear and logistic regression models were computed.
Results: The findings showed widespread acceptance of the device. Nurses who had adequate training and a positive institutional safety climate were more accepting (p <=.001). Also, nurses who worked at the hospital a shorter period were more likely to be accepting of the device (p <= .001). Nurses who felt that the safety climate was positive and who had used the device for at least 6 months were more likely to use the device (p <= .001).
Discussion: To achieve maximum success in implementing IV safety programs, high quality training and an atmosphere of caring about nurse safety are required.
Safety needle devices designed to reduce the incidence of needlestick injuries are widely implemented. There are approximately 800,000 needle stick injuries per year in the United States alone (American Organization of Nurse Executives [AONE] 2000;Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act, 2000). The transmission of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C to healthcare workers via needlesticks has made this implementation a necessity (2001). At least 1,000 healthcare workers contract serious infections annually from needlestick and sharps injuries; nurses account for 49.7% of all needlesticks. This study was designed to evaluate nurses' acceptance and use of such a device at a major urban teaching hospital.