Training Can Prevent Needlestick Injuries from Going Unreported

Residents also become lax about wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) because putting it on and discarding it can be an arduous process that adds several minutes to seeing a patient. "They have a heavy workload … and this just adds another layer of complexity," Polsky says.

Instructing residents on the proper way to wear gloves and gowns is critical, and involving program leadership in the training will make the lesson resonate more with residents. At St. Luke's-Roosevelt, program directors demonstrate how to correctly wear gear, conveying that wearing PPE is important.

In a situation where a resident does not follow hand-hygiene or PPE guidelines, Polsky says the punishment should not be punitive. "We want people to understand it is for their own protection and … this should be a standard part of taking care of patients."

Program directors should focus on remediation and coach the resident on the proper way to perform the technique, says Polsky.

Julie McCoy is associate editor for the Residency Department at HCPro, Inc. For more residency-related news, visit www.residencymanager.com.