Percutaneous Exposure Incidents in U.S. Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents [12A

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: To examine the self-reported incidence of percutaneous exposure incidents (PEIs) as well as injury reporting trends among U.S. Obstetrics and Gynecology residents. METHODS: IRB approval was obtained. This voluntary survey was distributed to all ACGME-accredited OB/GYN residency program leadership with instructions to forward to all residents in their programs. The online survey was IRB approved and open for responses from May-June 2019. Descriptive statistics were gathered, and variables were evaluated for significance by chi-square analysis. RESULTS: Among the 441 residents who responded, 355 (81%) reported ever experiencing a PEI. Sharps injuries were sustained by 321 (73%), and mucous membrane exposures (MMEs) were sustained by 255 (58%). By the final year of training, 96% of residents experienced at least one sharps injury, and 71% reported at least one MME. Most residents (258, 72%) did not reported an injury in the past. The most common reasons for not reporting included that the patient was perceived to be at low risk for infection (32%), the process was too cumbersome (24%), or the resident was too busy (12%). CONCLUSION: OBGYN residents experience a high rate of PEIs but infrequently report these injuries. Efforts to prevent PEIs are of utmost importance. Increased reporting of these injuries is needed to optimize post-exposure prophylaxis administration.