Needlestick injuries among German medical students: time to take a different approach?

CONTEXT

Medical students are at risk of occupational exposure to blood-borne viruses following needlestick injuries (NSIs) during medical school. The reporting of NSIs is an important step in the prevention of further injuries and in the initiation of early prophylaxis or treatment. The objective of this study was to describe the mechanisms whereby medical students experience occupational percutaneous blood exposure through NSIs and to discuss rational strategies for prevention.

METHODS

Incidents of exposure to blood-borne pathogens among medical students at a large German university were analysed. Year 6 medical students completed a written survey immediately before the clinical part of their training began, describing incidents that had occurred during the previous 5 years.

RESULTS

In our study, 58.8% (183/311) of participating medical students recalled at least one NSI that had occurred during their studies. Overall, 284 NSIs were reported via an anonymous questionnaire.

DISCUSSION

Occupational exposure to blood is a common problem among medical students. Efforts are required to ensure greater awareness of the risks associated with blood-borne pathogens among German medical students. Proper training in percutaneous procedures and how to act in the event of injury should be given in order to reduce the number of injuries.