Reducing risk and enhancing education: U.S. medical students on global health electives

Am J Infect Control. 2014 Dec;42(12):1319-21. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2014.09.007. Epub 2014 Nov 25.

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of several interventions, including predeparture simulation training and procedure logs, on incidence needlestick injuries (NSIs) among U.S. medical students on global health (GH) elective in Botswana. Review of NSI incident reports before and after introduction of these interventions demonstrated a reduction in the number of splash and body fluid exposures (n = 5 [6%] vs n = 21 [23%]; P < .001), respectively. Simple predeparture training is highly effective in reducing NSIs among students participating in GH electives.

Keywords: Global health; Medical student; Needlestick injury; Occupational health.

MeSH terms

  • Botswana / epidemiology
  • Education, Medical*
  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Needlestick Injuries / epidemiology
  • Needlestick Injuries / prevention & control*
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology
  • Occupational Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Occupational Exposure / prevention & control*
  • Primary Prevention / education*
  • Risk Reduction Behavior
  • Students, Medical / statistics & numerical data*
  • United States