A KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE STUDY OF PRESCRIBING OXYGEN AMONGST INTERNS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Oxygen is one of the most frequently prescribed health-care interventions and resuscitative methods to patients visiting the emergency or while admitted to the hospital. The ongoing COVID pandemic has emphasized the importance of efficient and optimal oxygen utilization. The interns in a teaching hospital are often the first point of contact for patients. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was done amongst 100 interns posted in areas where oxygen is routinely prescribed. For this study, a questionnaire was devised by the investigators to assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of prescribing oxygen therapy. The questionnaire also included the validated acute oxygen therapy questionnaire (AOTQ). Results: Knowledge of participants ascertained using the validated AOTQ questionnaire revealed a score of 16.59 ± 1.94 out of a maximum of 23 points suggesting that majority of participants possessed mediocre knowledge. The author’s questionnaire showed significant gaps in knowledge and attitude; participants were relatively ill-informed about the interfaces used, the indications, and monitoring required while administering oxygen. Conclusion: There is an admissible gap in knowledge, attitude and practices pertaining to oxygen therapy as compared to the ideal. The development of standard training guidelines and suitable methodologies is absolutely crucial so that optimal therapy can be provided by fresh medical graduates without compromising patient care.