Management of COVID ARDS: Highlighting the knowledge Gap among Pediatricians

Abstract

To find out the gaps in the knowledge among pediatricians regarding the management of COVID ARDS. Cross-sectional descriptive study. Online survey was done through social media apps over the period of 2 months. Data was collected through a predesigned questionnaire that was circulated to Pediatrician electronically through social media. 147 doctors submitted their response; the Majority were females (65.3%); respondents include different cadres of doctors including consultants (32.7%), postgraduate trainees (40.7%) and medical officers (26.5%). COVID knowledge score was obtained by the number of correct answers to 18 selected questions and it was 11.18 ± 2.35. Postgraduate trainees and those who are working in government hospitals have better knowledge scores as compared to others (p-value <0.05). Several areas of concern were revealed particularly only 34.7 % have the knowledge about in-line suction, 22.4 % have the expertise in video laryngoscopy, 42.9 % know that lower tidal volume ventilation should be done in COVID ARDS patients and only 12.2 % know that lower pH values are acceptable in such patients. 51 % of the respondents have been trained or attended courses on the management of COVID-19 patients and only 53 % feel comfortable managing pediatric COVID-19 patients. This study demonstrates an urgent need for awareness and training activities regarding the management of COVID-19 pneumonia and ARDS patients and about the protective measures in performing the procedures on such patients.