June 27, 2007 (Insidermedicine) The vast majority of surgeons in training experience a needle injury and many are unreported, putting these doctors at risk of contracting diseases such as HIV or hepatitis, according to a report published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

There are an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 needlestick and other puncture wound injuries reported each year among US healthcare workers. These can result in serious health consequences and mental stress for workers and their loved ones. While all healthcare workers who perform invasive procedures with sharp instruments are at risk, those who work in the operating room are at the greatest risk. Surgeons in training have the highest risk of exposure to blood-borne diseases, given the numerous encounters involving the use of sharp instruments on patients and the increased risk of injury while learning new skills. The risk is heightened by the high prevalence of blood-borne diseases among patients, including HIV, hepatitis B and C. 

To better understand the prevalence of needlestick injuries, and the circumstances surrounding them, researchers surveyed more than 700 surgeons in training in 17 programs in the US. They were asked about whether their most recent injury was reported or involved a high-risk patient, the perceived cause of the injury, and the surrounding circumstances.

The researchers found that 99% had experienced a needlestick injury by their final year of training, and half involved a high-risk patient. On average, a surgical resident had 8 needlestick injuries during their training. Of the most recent injuries, half were not reported, and 16% of those involving a high-risk patient were not reported. Close to half said lack of time was the reason for not reporting the injury.

Considering the prevalence of such injuries and the significant risk to health, improved prevention and reporting strategies are needed to reduce injuries and to protect doctors who are injured on the job.

For Insidermedicine, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.