Perceptions of orthopaedic surgeons regarding hepatitis C viral transmission: a questionnaire survey.
BACKGROUND
Occupationally acquired hepatitis C viral infection is an important issue in surgery since there are no known vaccines or effective prophylaxis.


METHODS
An anonymous questionnaire survey was performed to determine the attitudes and perception of risks of occupational acquired hepatitis C viral transmission in orthopaedic surgeons.


RESULTS
A total of 763 questionnaires were posted to orthopaedic surgeons with various subspecialty interests and 261 surgeons responded (34.2%). Of respondents, 117 (47%) had sustained sharps injuries in the previous 12 months. Only 82 surgeons (33%) always reported such injuries, although 208 (84%) expressed concerns of occupationally acquired hepatitis C viral transmission. Orthopaedic surgeons were mostly unaware of the true prevalence of hepatitis C in high-risk groups, such as intravenous drug abusers.


CONCLUSIONS
Greater awareness of all aspects of hepatitis C infection and its risks to the practice of surgery is required. Further debate is necessary on the role of routine testing of surgeons and patients.
Wallis
G C
GC
Department of Orthopaedics, Royal Bolton Hospital, Bolton, UK. GCWallis@doctors.org.uk
Kim
W Y
WY
Chaudhary
B R
BR
Henderson
J J
JJ
D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003253:Consultants; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Q000517:prevention & control; D008875:Middle Aged; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000209:etiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D009985:Orthopedics; D010465:Perception; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires