We do not have a policy for this.  While I can see the rationale, it also seems to have some ethical implications that veer from the use of universal standard precautions for all patients.  While we have not been able to get our own OR’s to adopt blunt sutures, it would seem to me that they should be used in all instances where they are acceptable rather than just in patients w/ HIV.  I would also note that many patients who are identified as HIV positive are on treatment and may have an indictable viral load.  The risk of HIV transmission would be tremendously lower with them than with a patient who is newly infected and not yet identified as HIV+.  I don’t mean any of this to sound judgmental, but I do think we must balance the concern of stigmatizing certain patients with whether we will truly enhance worker safety.  Best, Tim

Tim Crump, MSN, FNP

Tim Crump, MSN, FNP

Family Nurse Practitioner

Multnomah Pavilion 1 SE, Suite 1110

Occupational Health

Healthcare Human Resources

Oregon Health & Science University

3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd

Mail code: UHN 89

Portland, OR 97239-3098

Department Phone: 503-494-5271

Office Phone: 503-346-1152

Fax: 503-494-4457

Email: crumpt@ohsu.edu

Mon-Fri, 7:30-4:00

The information contained in this EMAIL message is confidential and protected by law. The information is intended only for the person or business identified in the document. If you are not the intended recipient, by sharing or copying the information you are breaking the law. If you have received this EMAIL by mistake, please notify the sender of this EMAIL and do not return, copy or keep the information in the EMAIL.

From: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh-bounces+crumpt=ohsu.edu@mylist.net> On Behalf Of Leibu, Rachel
Sent: Monday, December 30, 2019 8:45 AM
To: MCOH-EH <mcoh-eh@mylist.net>
Subject: [MCOH-EH] Operating Procedures for HIV pateints

HI Everyone,

I hope you are all having a great holiday season.  Does anyone have a  policy related to operating in HIV patients? For example, mentioning the diagnosis during the time out, use of blunt needles or bovies? 

Rachel Leibu, MD, MBA, MS, FACOEM

Medical Director Occupational Medicine Services

Atlantic Health System

973-829-4277

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