Orthopedic surgery residents and the CDC and AAOS HIV precautionary measures.

Abstract

A randomized national survey of orthopedic surgery residents concerning their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of the Centers for Disease Control's and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' (AAOS) universal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) precautionary measures was conducted. The residents' basic knowledge about the HIV precautionary measures was, in general, poor. Thirty-seven percent indicated that they were "uncertain" or "would not" care for HIV positive patients. Further, the residents' practice behaviors in many instances did not fulfill prescribed universal precautions. Sound educational and professional programs, such as those initiated by the AAOS, are needed to increase the knowledge and improve the practice behaviors of orthopedic residents.