Again and again, injuries to students during training occur. In Berlin, medical students still cover most of these training-related accidents. Accidents ususally happen with contaminated sharp and pointed instruments, such as those used for blood collection or permanent accesses to the venous system. By these injuries, serious diseases can be transmitted and a costly medical follow-up might be necessary. In collaboration between a team of the Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the German Social Accident Insurance Institution for the public sector in Berlin, appropriate procedures for the prevention of needlestick injuries and cuts have been worked out. The study on "Prevention of needlestick injuries and cuts of Berlin Medical Students" has evaluated numerous accident reports and conducted two large-scale anonymous surveys of all medical students Since 2010, a single course is taught at the medical faculty of the Charité, which focuses on small group training and model teaching. The results oft he study are supposed to be in this training. Simultaneously, the prevention standard for the entire medical staff in patient care was raised at the Charité based on the results. It remains to be seen whether these measures will actually lead to a reduction in the number of accidents.
Level of Education: Continuing vocational education and training
Lead Organisation: German Social Accident Insurance Institution for the public sector in Berlin
