255 - Stop the Stick, Lets Prevent Needlesticks

Description: Needlestick and sharp injuries are among the most prevalent occupational hazards in healthcare, carrying serious risks of bloodborne pathogen exposure, emotional distress, workflow disruption, and financial burden. These risks are magnified in the Operating Room, where sharp instruments and suture needles are used frequently in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment. At UCLA Santa Monica Main Operating Room, a significant rise in needlestick injuries over a two-year period prompted the development of a targeted safety initiative. A staff survey conducted in January 2025 identified two key root causes: ineffective communication during procedures and the use of unprotected suture needles with improper passing techniques.

The primary objective of this project was to reduce sharps injuries by 25% within six months through the implementation of a standardized, evidence-based sharp-handling protocol. The clinical question guiding the initiative was: Among operating room staff handling sharps, does the use of a safety zone/tool, compared to not using one, reduce the occurrence of needlestick injuries?

The intervention comprised two core components: comprehensive staff education on sharp safety best practices, including no-touch techniques and improved communication strategies, and implementation of the Friction-Z safety tool, a designated "safety zone" enabling hands-free passing of sharps during surgical procedures.

Following implementation in January 2025, the results were swift and impactful. By May 2025, the Santa Monica Main OR reported a 66.6% reduction in needlestick and sharps injuries, far exceeding the original goal. This reduction translated into estimated cost avoidance of $214,392, minimized resource waste, reduced workflow disruptions, improved staff morale, and fostered a stronger culture of safety.

To ensure sustainability, recommendations included: ongoing staff engagement, continued use and expansion of the Friction-Z tool to other departments, integration of practices into institutional policy (including updates to UCLA's Neutral Zone and No-Touch Technique Policy), and dissemination of results across UCLA Health to encourage system-wide adoption.

In conclusion, this initiative demonstrates that structured, evidence-based interventions centered on communication, education, and the use of safety tools can significantly improve perioperative safety. UCLA Santa Monica Main Operating Room's success serves as a model for sustainable clinical improvement in surgical environments.