Evaluation of Third-Year Anesthesiology Residents Knowledge on Patient Safety: Descriptive Study

Abstract

Introduction: Since anesthesiologists deal with a wide range of patients, they need to acquire knowledge, abilities, and attitudes in their daily activities and should be prepared and trained to offer safety to their patients. Objective: To investigate third-year anesthesiology residents' knowledge about patient safety. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study with quantitative approach was carried out between June and August 2020, using a questionnaire with 17 questions divided into 7 topics (general knowledge on patient safety and 6 topics related to the international goals on patient safety established by the World Health Organization). The results were compiled in a Microsoft Office Excel spreadsheet, processed and analyzed by the statistical program R Version 4.0.2 and presented in tabular and descriptive form. Results: The questionnaire was answered by 297 residents (40.8% of the total population). The topics related to WHO (World Health Organization) goals 4 (Safe Surgery) and 7 (Prevention of falls and pressure injuries) achieved the highest number of correct answers (84%). The topics related to goal 1 (Correct patient identification) had the highest number of mistakes (31%). Conclusion: The data found suggest a gap in the knowledge of third-year anesthesiology residents about the studied theme. Since only the knowledge competence was evaluated, further studies are necessary to analyze all other competencies necessary for anesthesia training related to patient safety.