An audit of sharps injuries in clinical skills simulation wards at a UK university (15 September 2022)

Summary

Healthcare students are at high risk of sharps injuries, which can negatively impact their confidence and wellbeing. This study audited three clinical skills simulation wards at a UK university to determine the incidence of sharps injuries in this educational setting. The authors found that sharps injuries were the most common type of incident in clinical skills simulation wards, with student nurses being at highest risk. They suggest that intervention is needed to improve safety in this educational setting, including sharps handling training, with greater focus on existing regulations.