Internal Medicine Resident Computer Usage: An Electronic Audit of an Inpatient Service

Abstract

The first 6 months of the intern year was the most common period for NSIs, previously unreported in the literature.Dental residents were more likely to experience an NSI than other trainees, in contrast to literature findings that suggest surgery residents are at greatest risk. 8Previous literature excludes dental trainees.Dental residents may be more likely to experience an NSI based on the nature of their work (ie, the dark oral cavity with difficult illumination and learning mirrored image procedures).Resident education and training during orientation may reduce risk.For new residents, additional procedural skill simulation using sharp instruments may decrease NSI.However, a majority of residents felt comfortable in procedures with instruments causing injury. 3Despite resident-reported mastery, caution to avoid both overconfidence and decreased attention to NSI risk is warranted.We found that PGY-1 residents, especially during the first 6 months of training, are at greatest risk of NSI.Highest injury rates were observed for dentistry, obstetrics and gynecology, and surgery.Source patient seropositivity was low in this series.Simulation training during orientation and timeout reminders may increase procedural experience, decrease complacency, and reduce NSIs.