How to Avoid Complications of Unsafe Injection Practices?

Injected medicines are one of the common treatments for major and minor illnesses. Whether your loved ones are taking the end of life care in Lakewood or you have a seasonal allergy, injected medicine can ease the pain significantly and is more effective in treating the disease.

Injections are undoubtedly an integral part of healthcare facilities, but we cannot overlook their risks. Unsafe and negligent practices can put the life of both patient and the healthcare provider at stake, irrespective of the healthcare facility setting. If you want to avoid any such harm, here is everything you need to know:

Avoiding Injections:

Many people prefer injected medicine due to its instant effectiveness, buts you should avoid it if another equivalent alternate is there. Go for oral or tropical medicine to avoid the risks associated with injections altogether.

Getting an Injection from a Reputed Medical Facility:

When it comes to healthcare, you should be more focused on the quality of facilities and safety precautions rather than money. Make sure where you are going that the district authorities approve the healthcare facility and have a proper injection preparation area.

The injection should be prepared in a clean and clutter-free area with no sign of blood or any other fluid. There is enough light in the room to ensure proper preparation and ensure that the syringe’s packet seal is open before you.

Be Assured of the Necessary Precautions:

Handling injections carefully is a responsibility every healthcare provider should be vigilant about. You cannot use the same injection twice, even if it is for the same patient. Administration sets and fluid infusion sets must not be used for more than one patient. Reusing the syringe is strictly prohibited. If you are visiting a healthcare facility to getan injection, be considerate about these precautions and see if the preventive measures are fully followed.

Disposing of the Injection Correctly is Crucial:

Correct disposal of injections is crucial to avoid the spread of health risks associated with unsafe injection practices. Dispose of all the used syringes in puncture-free containers. You cannot be forgetful about throwing away the uncapped and used syringes. Used injections cannot be reprocessed. Do not break or remove the needles with your hands. Make sure the injection disposal area is only accessible to authorized staff to ensure complete safety.

What are the possible complications of unsafe injection practices?

Bloodborne fatal ailments such as hepatitis B or C and AIDS are transmitted through the reuse or overuse of injections. Unsafe injection practices can also lead to nerve damage, abscesses, and septicemia.

Many healthcare workers are unaware of the risks associated with unsafe injection practices. That is why WHO recommends using safety-engineered syringes with disabling mechanisms that prevent reuse.

http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/250144/1/9789241549820-eng.pdf

Who is Responsible for unsafe Injection Practices?

No single person can be responsible for unsafe injection practices; everyone involved during the process should be careful. The prescribers, providers, and patients themselves need to ensure safety and prevent the spread of diseases. The biggest concern is the lack of awareness about the risks linked to reusing injections.

Many HIV and narcotic prevention programs are working globlly to spread awareness about the fatal health issues associated with unsafe injection practices. Whether you are a healthcare professional or a patient, you need to play your part as an individual to raise the safety measures for you and those around you. Increased awareness is synonymous with better health!