Enhanced Analysis and Development of Technical Features, Performance, and Occupational Safety in Syringe Needle Destroyers for Advancing Medical Standards

Abstract

Effective management of syringe needle waste is crucial for environmental protection, occupational safety, and healthcare efficiency. Although syringe needle destroyers are widely adopted, existing research insufficiently addresses device reliability, user satisfaction, and practical operational challenges. Specifically, previous studies have overlooked persistent issues such as overheating, inefficient needle insertion mechanisms, and inadequate ergonomic and safety features. This study aims to fill these critical gaps by assessing the overall suitability of syringe needle destroyers from healthcare workers' perspectives in clinical environments across Bangkok. A structured questionnaire employing a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree) evaluated three primary dimensions: technical attributes, operational performance, and safety/usability. Data were collected from 400 healthcare professionals, including nurses, physicians, medical technicians, and waste management staff, each with at least six months of experience using these devices.

Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that technical attributes, notably robust construction and efficient needle destruction mechanisms, significantly improved overall device suitability (β₁ = 0.1450, p < 0.0001). However, operational performance and safety/usability presented slightly negative influences (β₂ = –0.0251, p = 0.0797; β₃ = –0.0113, p = 0.4186), reflecting ongoing minor issues adversely impacting user satisfaction. The findings highlight the critical importance of superior technical design and underline the need for targeted enhancements in thermal management, ergonomics, and safety features. This research thus addresses existing academic gaps, providing a foundation for future improvements in syringe needle destroyer technology to meet modern healthcare standards.