Sharps Injuries and Reporting Practices of U.S. Dermatologists

Abstract

Sharps injuries are common among dermatologists. Underreporting is common and places providers and patients at risk of blood-borne illnesses.

Surgical Procedure Characteristics and Risk of Sharps-Related Blood and Body Fluid Exposure

“…35 However, 1 study recently suggested the importance of setting, noting that dermatologists working in academic settings may report exposures at higher rates than those working in solo or group practice contexts. 36 Reporting at this academic institution, therefore, might be better than in other settings.…”

Contaminated sharps injuries: A survey among dermatology residents

“…A secondary end point was change in score according to the Clinical Scoring System for Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus (CSS), which is a validated instrument that assesses both the investigator and patient impression of the severity of the LS. 1 A recent pilot study performed by our group showed that PRP reduced histopathologic inflammation in 7 of 12 patients with vulvar LS. 2 However, the main limitations of that study was its lack of placebo control.…”

Characterization of Blood-borne Pathogen Exposures During Dermatologic Procedures: The Mayo Clinic Experience

“…Prior survey studies confirm that sharps injuries are frequently implicated, with 75% to 94% of residents and practicing dermatologists reporting at least 1 sharps injury. 1 Among occupational groups, resident physicians had the highest rate of BBP exposures, followed by nurse/ medical assistants and practicing dermatologists, which may be secondary to lack of training or experience. Data from other surgical fields, including general surgery, support that resident physicians have the highest rate of sharps injuries.…”

“…ermatology providers are at an increased risk for blood-borne pathogen (BBP) exposures during procedures in clinical practice. [1][2][3] Current data regarding the characterization of these exposures are limited. Prior studies are based on surveys that result in low response rates and potential for selection bias.…”

“…In addition, there are conflicting data regarding characteristics of these exposures, including common implicated instruments and procedures. [1][2][3] Prior studies also have not evaluated exposures in all members of dermatologic staff, including resident physicians, practicing dermatologists, and ancillary staff.…”