       Document 0009
 DOCN  M9610009
 TI    Occupational health in surgery: risks extend beyond the operating room.
 DT    9601
 AU    Patz JA; Jodrey D; Division of Occupational Health, Johns Hopkins School
       of Hygiene; and Public Health, Baltimore 21205-2179, USA.
 SO    Aust N Z J Surg. 1995 Sep;65(9):627-9. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE
       MED/96007381
 AB    Surgeons routinely work with potentially infectious materials. The risk
       of acquiring a disease from one percutaneous exposure is 0.3-0.4% for
       human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) 6-30% for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and
       2.7-10% for hepatitis C virus (HCV). Rates of blood contacts vary but
       may reach up to 11.9 per 100 h in the operating room. Residents are at
       highest risk, and obstetrics and gynaecology surgeons suffered the
       highest rate of exposures (10%) as a group. Contributing risk factors
       include trauma or emergency orthopaedic procedures, high patient blood
       loss, long procedures and holding tissue by hand while suturing.
       However, across occupations, nurses and other health workers experience
       greater risks than surgeons regarding potentially infectious exposures.
       Preventive measures such as the HBV vaccine and protective devices (i.e.
       self-capping needles, needle-free i.v. systems and improved barrier
       materials) have reduced the occupational risk of acquiring a blood-borne
       infection, which allows attention to be given to the psychosocial risks
       which may be more significant, yet are often overlooked. Doctors are at
       greater risk of divorce, alcoholism, substance abuse and suicide than
       are members of comparable professional groups. One study found that
       general surgeons had the highest rates of suicide of all doctors.
       According to family surveys, surgeons tend to be oblivious to the
       effects of work stressors, and may benefit from greater self-awareness;
       sharing of feelings and responsibilities with colleagues, family and
       patients; being willing to delegate work to others; setting work limits;
       and broadening perspectives in their approach to work.
 DE    Blood-Borne Pathogens  Communicable Diseases/TRANSMISSION  Female  Human
       Life Style  Male  *Occupational Health  *Operating Rooms  Risk Factors
       *Surgery, Operative  JOURNAL ARTICLE  REVIEW  REVIEW, TUTORIAL

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).

