Blood-borne pathogen occupational exposures present a substantial risk to medical students during clinical internships, predominantly in the form of needlestick injuries. Presently, prevention guidelines inadequately address the unique circumstances of this susceptible group. Consequently, a two-part methodology, encompassing an extensive literature review and a Delphi method, was enforced.
Phase one involved a detailed literature review spanning across numerous databases, namely PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library, covering studies from 2000 to 2024. Vital data was extracted to construct an initial framework. Phase two utilized a modified Delphi approach, involving a multidisciplinary expert panel in two rounds to fine-tune the preliminary framework developed from the literature review.
The literature review revealed 1,477 entries, reducing to 200 articles following the search and selection process. The Delphi method engaged a multidisciplinary panel of 25 experts, refining and concluding upon prevention strategies. The definitive framework includes 13 elements of action, spread across primary (seven items), secondary (four items), and tertiary (two items) prevention tiers.
This study introduces the first competency-oriented framework to address blood-borne pathogen occupational exposures among medical students during clinical practicums. The framework, supported by corroborated evidence and expert consensus, marks a significant stride towards ensuring medical students’ occupational safety.
Source: https://bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12909-025-07620-x