Needlestick injuries are far more common than previously thought, a survey has found.

• Global survey of 510 surgeons is first of its kind;
• 81% believe high quality gloves impact patient outcomes;  
• 92% agreed that high quality gloves improve safety of clinicians;  
• Survey demonstrates importance surgeons place on high quality gloves in protecting against infection and patient safety;

95% of surgeons have either been personally affected by a needlestick injury or have seen a colleague experience one,  a new global survey has found, increasing their risk of infection. The survey – the first of its kind undertaken – was conducted by SERMO for Mölnlycke, a world-leading medical solutions company.

The survey looked at key opinions from 510 surgeons across six countries relating to infection prevention and the role of high quality gloves in improving patient and clinician safety. In particular, it demonstrated the importance that surgeons place on high quality gloves in the fight against needlestick injuries and exposure to bloodborne viruses, like HIV.

Clinician safety

An estimated two million needlestick injuries occur among health workers each year, resulting in increased exposure to HIV, Hepatitis C and other bloodborne viruses.   Needlestick injuries occur when a needle or other sharp instrument accidentally penetrates the skin, yet the underreporting to occupational health departments is well established.   

The survey revealed that 93% of surgeons think that high quality gloves reduce the chance of exposure to bloodborne viruses   and 83% said that the quality of gloves affects their sense of being protected from needlestick injuries.  

Patient safety

Health care-associated infections (HAIs) are the most frequent adverse event in healthcare delivery worldwide.   Hundreds of millions of patients are affected by HAIs worldwide each year, leading to significant mortality rates. Of every 100 hospitalized patients at any given time, an estimated seven patients in developed countries will acquire at least one HAI.   

On the topic of patient safety, 81% of surgeons believe that high quality gloves impact overall patient outcomes   and 89% agreed that high quality gloves improve patient safety in the operating room.  

When asked about glove failure during an operation, 78% of surgeons responded that it increases the risk of surgical site infections.

Commenting on the survey findings, John Timmons, Clinical Staff Nurse and International Medical Director, said:

 “Each year, millions of surgeons and their teams risk exposure to life threatening bloodborne viruses and this ground-breaking survey highlights the value that surgeons across the globe place on high quality gloves. Surgeons clearly recognize their role in both ensuring the safety of surgeons and improving outcomes for patients.

“Surgical gloves are one of the key factors that prevent infections in the operating room and should not be viewed as a commodity. High quality means fewer glove failures, yet we are increasingly seeing healthcare systems around the world prioritise price over quality.”

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NOTES TO EDITORS

Media Inquiries

Please contact:

Jim Rogers, Director of Marketing Communications for North America at Mölnlycke
E: Jim.Rogers@molnlycke.com
T: +1 678 206 5286

About Mölnlycke

Mölnlycke is a world leading medical solutions company.  Our purpose is to advance performance in healthcare across the world. That is why we aspire to equip everybody in healthcare with solutions to achieve the best outcomes. We develop and bring to market innovative wound care and surgical solutions along the entire continuum of care – from prevention to post-acute settings. Our solutions provide value for money, supported by clinical and health economic evidence.

Mölnlycke was founded in 1849. Nowadays, our solutions are available in around 100 countries; we are the number one global provider of advanced wound care and single-use surgical products; and we are Europe’s largest provider of customized trays. Our headquarters are in Gothenburg, Sweden and we have about 7,800 employees around the world. Learn more at molnlycke.us.

About SERMO

SERMO is the most trusted and preferred social network for doctors. It’s private and exclusively for doctors. SERMO is the meeting of medical minds and hearts. It’s a virtual doctors' lounge.

All of SERMO's over 800,000 members are verified and credentialized physicians. SERMO has also opened its doors to the global community, including physicians from 150 countries with plans for a continued global expansion. Find out more at www.sermo.com.