More on presenteeism

This week's JAMA has a short report on presenteeism in medical residents across 4 specialties in 12 hospitals. The survey was sent to 744 residents and had a 72% response. Overall, 58% of residents reported that they had worked while sick at least once in the past year, and 31% reported doing so more than once. A higher proportion of presenteeism was found in 2nd year vs. 1st year trainees. This is directly related to my posting yesterday on control of nosocomial influenza and provides some food for thought as we begin to plan for the upcoming flu season.