Impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus on Medical and Surgical Residents.

Authors

Margaret Hoffman-Terry MD, FACP, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Luther Rhodes III MD, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
James F. Reed III, PhD, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow

Publication/Presentation Date

9-1-1992

Abstract

BACKGROUND--Previous surveys of resident physicians on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) matters have tended to focus on urban programs serving a patient population with an expected high prevalence of HIV infection. The objective of this study was to survey a community hospital residency program in a nonurban area with a perceived low HIV patient seroprevalence. METHODS--A 32-question survey was completed on an anonymous basis by the entire 74 member multidisciplinary resident physician group at a two-campus university-affiliated hospital program in southeastern Pennsylvania in May 1991. RESULTS--Residents perceived their patient population's HIV seroprevalence rate to be low although they believed their personal risk of occupational exposure to blood-borne infection was moderate to high. House staff most often complied with universal precautions for fear of acquiring a blood-borne illness and most often did not comply because of time constraints. Not perceiving the exposure as a health risk was the primary reason for nonreporting of exposures. Occupational exposure rates were alarmingly high, with suturing using a curved needle being the most common exposure method. Most residents were unfamiliar with HIV legislation. A majority of the house staff wanted improved HIV patient management training and life and disability insurance against occupationally acquired HIV. Many other important issues were addressed in this survey. CONCLUSION--Residents even in low seroprevalence environments do fear occupationally acquired HIV. A great need exists for improved training in universal precautions, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome legislation, and HIV patient management as well as for insurance against occupationally acquired HIV.

Volume

152

Issue

9

First Page

1788

Last Page

1796

ISSN

0003-9926

Published In/Presented At

Hoffman-Terry, M., Rhodes, L. 3., & Reed, J. 3. (1992). Impact of human immunodeficiency virus on medical and surgical residents. Archives Of Internal Medicine, 152(9), 1788-1796.

Disciplines

Medical Sciences | Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

1520046

Department(s)

Department of Medicine, Department of Medicine Faculty

Document Type

Article