http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/507623

Needlestick Injury and Inadequate Post-Exposure Practice in Medical Students

Patrick Cervini, MD; Chaim Bell, MD, PhD, FRCP(C)

J Gen Intern Med. 2005;20(5):419-421. ©2005 Blackwell Publishing
Posted 06/30/2005
Abstract and Introduction
Abstract

Background: Medical students are at a particularly high risk for
needlestick injury and its consequences because of their relative
inexperience and lack of disability insurance.
Objective: To determine the risk of needlestick injury and the use of
post-exposure prophylaxis among medical students.
Design: Internet-based survey.
Participants: The 2003 graduating medical school class at the University
of Toronto.
Measurements: Number of needlestick injuries, circumstances surrounding
those incidents, and post-exposure actions.
Results: The response rate was 88% (157/178). Over one third (55/157) of
respondents suffered at least 1 needlestick injury. In more than half
the high-risk injuries, the students continued working and did not seek
medical advice. Six students who suffered a needlestick injury began
prophylactic human immunodeficiency virus medications. Of those students
who suffered an injury, 15% had purchased disability insurance prior to
the incident.
Conclusions: Poor use of post-exposure procedures and a lack of
disability insurance leave medical students at high risk for career and
life-altering consequences from a needlestick injury.