A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Sharps Injuries Among Dermatologic Surgeons: A Survey of American College of Mohs Surgery Members

Abstract

BACKGROUND There is a paucity of data on sharps injuries and bloodborne pathogen exposure among Dermatologic Surgeons. OBJECTIVE Quantify occupational risks from sharps injuries among Mohs surgeons. Determine rate of injury, reporting, and confidence in staff's sharps handling. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis performed using survey responses from Mohs surgeons with membership in the American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS). RESULTS A total of 60 ACMS members completed the survey. Overall, 56.7% reported at least 1 sharps injury within the past year, of which 14.7% resulted in a bloodborne exposure (odds of exposure: 7.5% per year). The most common type of injury was self-inflicted suture needlestick (76.5%). Forty-four-point-one percent did not report their injuries. Ninety-five percent reported access to postexposure prophylaxis at their workplace. In addition, respondents in academic and single-specialty practices were more likely to report high or moderate confidence in staff sharps handling knowledge and in injury reporting compared with respondents from multispecialty and solo practices (88% vs 54% p = .02, 76%–81% vs 27% p = .0004, respectively). CONCLUSION Sharps injuries and under-reporting of these injuries are common among Mohs surgeons. Despite reporting of higher confidence in staff knowledge and training in academic and single-specialty practices, there was no correlation with surgeon's rate of injury.