Accidental blood exposures among medical residents in Paris, France

Abstract number: P2016

Adam J., Mir O., Berveiller P., Yordanov Y., Loulergue P.

Accidental blood exposure (ABE) exposes health care workers (HCW) including medical residents (MRs) to the risk of occupational infection. We aimed to determine the characteristics of ABEs in MRs in Paris, France.

An anonymous self-reporting questionnaire was administered electronically. A total of 350 MRs (33% from surgical disciplines) entered this survey. Median age was 27 years (range: 23–35), 32% were males. One hundred and eighty five MRs (52%) reported at least one ABE during their residency (median: 2, range 1–25), 53% of which occurred in operatory rooms.

Sixty-nine percent of MRs followed the current procedures for local disinfection. ABEs were notified to the hospital administration by 62% of MRs, but only 51% of MRs referred to occupational medicine department. However, in 74% of cases, the serologic status of the index patient was investigated. Eight MRs received HAART, the most frequently prescribed combination being zidovudine, lamivudine and boosted lopinavir. None discontinued this treatment.

The most frequently reported concerns following ABEs were HIV infection (52%) and HCV infection (39%). HBV was not a major concern in this population with 54% of MRs being aware of their HBs antibody titres.

ABE is a major issue in HCW. Medical residents, although aware of the potential risks of blood-borne infections, behaved inappropriately in up to 33% of cases in this survey. Further educational programs should include MRs and not only senior HCW in order to improve individual behaviour when facing ABEs.