Anaesthetists’ knowledge of appropriate oxygen administration

Abstract

Background Oxygen is the most administered drug in anaesthesia. It is used primarily to prevent hypoxia and correct hypoxaemia. Studies allude to inappropriate oxygen prescribing and administration practices by health-care professionals. Aims This study aims to examine anaesthetists’ knowledge of oxygen administration. Methods This descriptive study comprised of a questionnaire distributed to anaesthetists in the Department of Anaesthesiology at the University of the Witwatersrand. Participants were required to identify oxygen delivery devices, provide an appropriate oxygen flow rate for each device, apply the device to a clinical scenario and then answer multiple choice questions on basic and applied clinical sciences within the context of oxygen in anaesthesia. A modified Angoff process was utilised to determine whether the knowledge assessed was adequate. Results Final analysis included 139 participants. Performance for all the tasks was poor and fell below the modified Angoff mark of 54% considered adequate knowledge. Participants primarily had difficulty with device flow rates and in clinical application. Conclusions This study highlighted a deficiency in the knowledge of oxygen therapy among anaesthetists at the University of the Witwatersrand. To improve patient outcomes and reduce hospital expenditure, adequate development of local protocols and training of healthcare professionals is required.