Authors (including presenting author) :
Tse KY, Au W, Kam MY, Chau WL, Luen KW
Affiliation :
Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Ruttonjee & Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals
Introduction :
Integrated Chinese-Western Medicine (ICWM) has been shown to enhance functional recovery and reduce disability in acute stroke patients 1,2. Since November 2023, acupuncture has been included in the ICWM program at Ruttonjee & Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals. To ensure staff & patient safety, Chinese Medicine Practitioners (CMPs) count and countercheck the used acupuncture needles with an assistant before disposal. To improve this process, our team designed a novel magnetic needle container aimed at enhancing occupational safety and efficient needle disposal.
Objectives :
1. Enhance occupational safety and health by reducing needle stick injury risks.
2. Create a reusable and sustainable needle counting device.
3. Save costs associated with single-use needle containers.
4. Reduce clinical waste and improve storage efficiency in wards.
Methodology :
The needle container was designed with user feedback, ergonomic principles, and technical specifications. Made from durable, puncture-resistant materials, the container is reusable, eliminating the need for single-use sharps containers. It features a compact design with a secure magnetic locking mechanism to prevent accidental openings. A movable magnetic plate at the bottom holds needles for easier counting and discards them when opened. Two satisfaction surveys were conducted to evaluate feedback from users and nurses on patient and staff safety, user experiences, storage, costs, and needle stick injuries.
Result & Outcome :
The new needle container has yielded several positive outcomes:
• User Feedback: Increased confidence and ease of use when disposing of needles with over 95% satisfaction.
• Waste Reduction: Significant reduction in clinical waste due to the reusable design.
• Cost Savings: Annual costs reduced by over 60% compared to single-use containers.
• Storage Efficiency: Less storage space required.
• Safety: No reported needle stick injuries since implementation.
Conclusion
The designed needle container has proven to be a valuable addition to acupuncture practice by addressing safe needle disposal. It enhances patient and staff safety, reduces costs, and improves user satisfaction, with potential to become an industry standard for CMPs.
Public Health Implications
The team plans to further refine and expand the container's design and functionality to continue improving occupational safety and efficiency
