Evaluation of the acceptability of a needleless vascular-access system by nurses

Background: Needleless intravenous-access devices have been introduced in an effort to reduce needlestick injuries and possible transmission of blood-borne pathogens to health care workers. However, there are no data on the acceptance of these devices by nursing personnel. Methods: A survey of nursing personnel was taken at Indiana University Medical Center after introduction of a needleless intravenous device to determine their opinion after use of the needleless device. Results: The majority of the nurses (72 of 94, 70%) had a favorable overall opinion of the device. Among those with a favorable opinion, 76% (55/72) responded that reduced risk of needlestick injury was the most important reason. Among those who had a negative opinion about the needleless-device system, 32% (7/22) reported that contamination risk was their major concern. Those who were trained before device use were more likely to properly use and maintain the needleless intravenous-access system. Of 89 respondents, 75.3% (67/89) believed that the initial training was adequate; however, 43% (29/67) thought that additional training after using the device for some time would have been beneficial. Conclusions: Comprehensive education programs that include training before and after device use are necessary if new needleless intravenous-access systems are to be successfully introduced and accepted by nursing personnel.