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Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding atrial fibrillation among neurologists in central China: A
Jing Shen1,2, Yuanpeng Xia1, Shiyi Cao3
1Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Insights
Physicians show gaps in atrial fibrillation (AF) knowledge and practice, impacting thromboprophylaxis. Continuous training is essential to enhance AF management and improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Physicians' understanding and application of atrial fibrillation (AF) guidelines are critical for effective thromboprophylaxis.
- Gaps in physician knowledge and practice can lead to suboptimal patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate physicians' knowledge, attitude, and practice concerning atrial fibrillation (AF).
- To identify factors influencing physicians' management of AF.
- To inform health policy development for improved AF care.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study conducted between October 2016 and March 2018.
- Anonymous questionnaires administered via face-to-face interviews to 611 physicians across 38 hospitals.
- Standardized assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice scores related to AF.
Main Results:
- Physicians achieved a mean total score of 21.59 (out of 36), with specific mean scores for knowledge (6.86), attitude (6.13), and practice (8.59).
- Higher education level and type of workplace positively correlated with physicians' knowledge, practice, and total scores.
- Education level, professional title, years of experience, and hospital grade/location significantly influenced physicians' AF knowledge, attitudes, and practice.
Conclusions:
- A significant deficit exists in neurologists' knowledge and practical application regarding atrial fibrillation (AF).
- Enhanced and continuous medical education is imperative to elevate physician competency in managing AF.
- Addressing identified influencing factors can guide targeted interventions to improve overall AF care standards.
Background:
Physicians' knowledge and practice of atrial fibrillation (AF) are determinants of the efficacy of thromboprophylaxis.
Hypothesis:
This study aimed to investigate physicians' knowledge, attitude, and practice toward AF, to analyze the influencing factors, and to provide data to support departments that develop health policies.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was carried out from October 1, 2016, to March 31, 2018. A standard-structured anonymous questionnaire was completed by each participant through face-to-face interviews.
Results:
A total of 611 doctors from 38 hospitals were responded to this survey. The mean of the total score of the questionnaire was 21.59 ± 3.559 (total score of the questionnaire was 36), and the mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and practice were 6.86 ± 1.70, 6.13 ± 1.35, and 8.59 ± 2.21, respectively. The doctor' s knowledge, practice scores, and total scores were positively correlated with the education level and the workplace. The influencing factors that affect doctors' knowledge, attitudes, and practice scores including education level, professional title, working years, hospital grade, and hospital location.
Conclusions:
There was still a big gap in neurologists' knowledge and practice about AF. It is necessary to strengthen the continuous improvement of doctor training to improve the management of AF.
