A national survey of surgeons' attitudes about patients with human immunodeficiency virus infections and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
G. A. Shelley and R. J. Howard
Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville 32610-0286.
We conducted a national survey to learn about surgeons' attitudes toward
patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection and with acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome. We received 1039 (72%) responses from 1451
potential respondents. Seventy-four percent (766 of 1028) of surgeons were
in favor of routine human immunodeficiency virus testing of patients, yet
only 6% did so routinely and another 6% did so selectively. Most (88%)
surgeons believed that patients had a right to know if their surgeon was
infected with the human immunodeficiency virus and would agree to be tested
if so requested by a patient. Most (72%) surgeons also believed that
surgeons with the human immunodeficiency virus should have their operating
privileges restricted. Only 8% knew the risk of acquiring human
immunodeficiency virus infection if they sustained a percutaneous injury
with contaminated blood, and only 61% were familiar with the Centers for
Disease Control guidelines on universal precautions. The respondents also
believed that others were "making the rules" for them while they were
"taking the risks."
