OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS OF OPERATING - OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT

The emergence of hepatitis C virus compels us to refocus on protecting ourselves, our coworkers, and our families from potential illness, di sability, or death. As bloodborne pathogens continue to evolve and mut ate, the best option available is to prevent exposure. Surgeons have t he opportunity to prevent the majority of exposures by utilizing curre ntly available technology and knowledge. Surgeons should see, use, and evaluate a variety of safety-engineered devices, because their feedba ck can lead to improvements in technology. Education, communication, a nd access to safer technology will motivate surgeons to adopt safer be havior patterns. Provided with information and tools, we can change th rough self-motivation.