Abstract
This study had three objectives: (1) to investigate healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitude, and practice toward clinically applying graduated compression stockings, (2) to analyze the influencing factors, and (3) to provide data to support departments that develop health policies. A self-administered web-based survey was completed by 1,444 healthcare professionals, including physicians and nurses from 15tertiary hospitals and four secondary hospitals from 10 provinces in China. Reliability analysis and exploratory factor analysis were used to evaluate the researcher-designed questionnaire’s reliability and validity. The formal questionnaire, which included demographic data (eight items), knowledge (ten items), attitudes (four items), and clinical practice patterns (six items), was distributed among healthcare professionals. The relationships and mechanisms among the variables were explored using descriptive statistical analysis, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression analysis. Of the 1,444 respondents, 31.2% had good knowledge of clinically applying graduated compression stockings, 83.5% had a positive attitude toward clinically applying them, and 30.4% of respondents exhibited normative behavior when applying them. The multiple linear regression analysis indicated that training was an important factor influencing the knowledge, attitude, and practice toward clinically applying graduated compression stockings. The healthcare professionals’ attitude toward clinically applying graduated compression stockings was positive, but the related knowledge was poor, and the code of behavior was deficient. Medical institutions should improve training for clinically applying graduated compression stockings among healthcare professionals and standardize the use of graduated compression stockings to facilitate the prevention of hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism.
Highlights
MethodsVenous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a serious condition that affects patients’ outcomes
We have anecdotally found patients’ use of graduated compression stockings (GCS) depends largely on the information provided by healthcare professionals
Our research team asked the questions, “how can we expect patients to be provided with good information if the level of healthcare professionals’ KAP of GCS is not high? Further, if patients are unable to use GCS properly, how can we expect GCS to work as a treatment for DVT?” which highlights the need to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAP) of practitioners who are using GCS as a treatment
Summary
MethodsVenous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a serious condition that affects patients’ outcomes. The Korean Practice Guidelines [2] recommend that compression stockings are used to reduce the risk of PTS in patients with lower extremity DVT (Class IIa, Level A). Compression therapy is a frequently used physical therapy in conditions involving venous and lymphatic insufficiency in the lower limbs, including varicosities, lymphedema, venous eczema and ulceration, and DVT and PTS [4]. If an inpatient is assessed into the high-risk hierarchy for VTE, GCS is recommended as a physical preventive measure in the China-Japan Friendship Hospital Health Alliance. We have anecdotally found patients’ use of GCS depends largely on the information provided by healthcare professionals. Our research team asked the questions, “how can we expect patients to be provided with good information if the level of healthcare professionals’ KAP of GCS is not high? It is necessary to pay attention to the correct use of GCS when evaluating its effects
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