Abstract

Objective: Needle stick injuries (NSIs) are common amongst surgeons with a potential risk of transmission of blood-borne pathogens particularly HBV, HCV and HIV. The aim of this study was to assess the surgeons’ perception to the transmission of blood borne viral infections, their experience in dealing with such an occupational risk and identify why NSI remains unreported in majority of cases.

Methods: A questionnaire based survey was conducted among 31 surgeons of different specialties with different levels of experience.

Results: Nineteen (61.2%) surgeons had a history of exposure/ NSI in the past and none of them ever reported the incidence to concerned authority. The process is felt very time consuming and too complex compared to the perceived low risk of transmission.

Conclusion: Surgeons are at a higher risk of exposure to infection. There should be strategies to increase reporting and promotion of awareness to universal safety precautions. And hence a felt need for efficient and user-friendly reporting system.

Keywords: Needle stick injuries; Surgeons; Perception; Blood borne viral infections; Survey