Survey of Contaminated Percutaneous Injuries in Anesthesia Practitioners

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundAnesthesia practitioners are at inherent risk for percutaneous injuries by blood-contaminated needles and sharp objects. These exposures may result in transmission of HIV and hepatitis viruses. Data about this occupational hazard from contaminated needles and sharp devices is limited and decades old. We conducted a web-based survey to assess the occurrence, reporting, characteristics, and outcome of contaminated percutaneous injuries (CPI) in anesthesia residents, fellows, and attendings.MethodsAfter institutional research board approval, an email was sent to 217 anesthesia practitioners requesting their participation in an online survey about contaminated percutaneous injuries. Responses were collected from February through March 2020. Results are reported as absolute numbers and proportions with 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsThe overall survey response rate was 51% (110/217). 59% (65/110) (95% CI, 50–68) of participants reported having one or more contaminated percutaneous injury during their years of anesthesia practice (42% (21/50) of residents, 50% (4/8) of fellows, 77% (40/52) of anesthesia attendings). Prevalence of injuries related to attendings’ years of anesthesia practice was 69% (95% CI, 44–94) for 5-10 years, 62.5% (95% CI, 29–96) for 10-15 years, and 79% (95% CI, 63– 95) for greater than 15 years of practice.35% (95% CI, 26–44) of participants reported having one or more CPI within the last 5 years (40% of residents, 50% of fellows, 29% of attendings). Occurrence of CPI within the last 5 years based on attending anesthesiologist years of practice was 57% for less than 5 years, 37.5% for 10-15 years, and 20% for 15-20 years of practice. 75% (95% CI, 65–85) reported the incident at the time of injury. 59% (95% CI, 48–70) of injuries were due to hollow bore needles. 50% (95% CI, 39–61) of total injuries were high risk. 26% of injured anesthesia practitioners received post-exposure prophylaxis and there were zero seroconversions.ConclusionMost anesthesiologists will sustain a contaminated percutaneous injury during their careers. Incidence of these injuries decreases with years of practice. Occurrence of these injuries is high among anesthesia residents, with the majority reporting their injuries. Half of the injuries are high risk with a quarter requiring postexposure prophylaxis. More education and interventions are needed to reduce percutaneous injuries and improve reporting.