Safety in electrosurgery: results of the All-Russian survey

Abstract

To assess the level of knowledge in electrosurgical safety among specialists in the Russian Federation. An Internet survey was devoted to the issues of electrosurgical safety. The questionnaire consisted of 15 questions in 5 items. Data were collected for 2 months. Data analysis included final assessment of respondents, correlation of results with their own assessment of knowledge and parameters of surgical experience, the fact of training and belonging to the department. Question design, survey and presentation of results were performed in accordance with the CHERRIES (Check list of Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys) criteria for Internet surveys. Survey enrolled 231 specialists. Excellent rating was given to 13 (5.6%) respondents, good - 66 (28.3%), satisfactory - 105 (45.1%) respondents. Forty-nine (21.03%) respondents did not overcome the passing score (7) and showed unsatisfactory knowledge of electrosurgical safety. Mean score among all participants was 8.6±2.6 (median 8 points, interquartile range [7-11]) or 53.3% of maximum value (15). In multivariate logistic model, significant factors were the completed course in electrosurgical safety (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.30-3.97; p=0.004), experience of work (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05; p=0.011) and work in the department (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.03-2.95; p=0.038). Respondents who did not take the course (positive significant correlation r=0.1629, p=0.02674) and non-departmental employees (r=0.1655, p=0.031) assess the level of knowledge more adequately with respect to real results. Respondents with completed course (r=0.1078, p=0.4659) and departmental staff (r=0.1411, p=0.2699) are prone to overestimate self-assessment (positive insignificant correlation of their own assessment and received points). We found significant knowledge gaps in electrosurgical safety among various practitioners. The main causes are no mandatory specialized courses on electrosurgical safety and insufficient motivation of specialists for self-education due to false ideas about their own level of knowledge.