Knowledge, training and practice of cricoid pressure application by the anesthesiologists of teaching hospitals of a developing country: A national survey

Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge, training, and practices of cricoid pressure (CP) application among the anesthesiologists working in teaching hospitals of a developing country.Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among the consultant anesthesiologists and anesthesia trainees with at least 18 months of anesthesia experience, working in teaching hospitals of four provinces of the country and one teaching hospital of the capital city. The survey was conducted through a validated questionnaire including questions regarding knowledge, training and practice of CP application among anesthesiologist working in teaching hospitals of the capital city and four provinces of Pakistan.Results: A total of 220 questionnaires were distributed, 212 were returned with a response rate of 96%. 36 (16.98%) participants made correct answers to all of the six ‘knowledge’ based questions. With respect to “training”, 116 participants (55.50%) responded that they had supervised instructions on anesthetized patients, 19 participants (9.1%) had training courses using manikins and 74 participants (35.4%) had received knowledge from books only. 210 participants responded to the questions regarding the “practice” of CP application. 197 participants (93.8%) routine practice CP.Conclusion: Based on our survey, the ‘knowledge’ of cricoid pressure application was poor among the anesthesiologists working in teaching hospitals. There are insufficient training opportunities for this important anesthesia-related skill. More specific education and simulation-based training should be made mandatory for enhancing clinical use ofcricoid pressure.Citation: Butt MN, Hoda MQ. Knowledge, training, and practice of cricoid pressure application by the anesthesiologists of teaching hospitals of a developing country: A national survey. Anaesth. pain & intensive care 2019;23(2):151-156