Background: Accidental needle-stick injuries (NSIs) are a hazard for health-care workers and for the general public.
Objectives: To estimate the presentation rate of NSIs to general medical practices, their relation to practice characteristics, and review practice policies for managing NSIs.
Method: Descriptive study using logistic regression analysis.
Results: Annual rates of 2.73 (95% CI 2.08, 3.50) occupational NSIs per 100 clinical practice staff and 2.14 (95% CI 1.39, 3.13) non-occupational NSIs per 100,000 practice population were recorded. Stepwise logistic regressions showed that chance of a practice reporting at least one occupational NSI in previous five years was best predicted by being a single-handed practice (decreased odds). In contrast, the chance of a practice reporting at least one non-occupational NSI was best predicted by being a rural practice (increased odds). About one in five practices possessed no written policy on managing NSIs. Stepwise logistic regressions showed that the chance of a practice owning a NSI policy was best predicted by being located in an LHB area with a coastline (increased odds).
Conclusion: NSIs are an important public health issue in Wales. We have tried to address the lack of guidance by developing new guidelines in Wales.