Accreditation

Surgeons expose themselves to infections through injury, according to study

Accreditation Connection, July 2, 2007

The New England Journal of Medicine published a study June 28 saying that 83% of surgeons stuck themselves with needles while in training, mostly because they were rushed and did not report their injuries. The study, conducted by Georgetown University and Johns Hopkins University researchers, queried 699 surgeons in their residency during 2003, reports The New York Times.

Surgeons said they did not report their injuries for two main reasons: lack of time and a fear of putting their careers in jeopardy. This alarming trend puts surgeons and those around them at risk to infectious diseases that may be transferred during a needlestick, such as AIDS and hepatitis.

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