Assessing the Proficiency in Basic and Advanced Life Support Among Physicians in Ecuador: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Emergency Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Cardiorespiratory arrest is a critical medical emergency with unpredictable onset.
• Physician knowledge of life support protocols directly impacts patient outcomes.
• There is a lack of data on the theoretical knowledge of life support among Ecuadorian physicians.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the theoretical knowledge of Ecuadorian physicians regarding Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) guidelines.
• To identify potential factors influencing physicians' understanding of life support protocols.

Main Methods:

• A national cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 385 physicians in Ecuador.
• An expert-validated 35-question questionnaire assessed theoretical knowledge of BLS and ALS.
• Statistical analyses included T-tests and ANOVA to examine associations with demographic and training variables.

Main Results:

• Physicians scored higher in BLS (5.8/10 ± 1.6) than ALS (4.7/10 ± 1.8).
• A majority held BLS (71.7%) and ALS (51.9%) certifications.
• Physicians with less than 3 years of experience demonstrated superior BLS and ALS knowledge.

Conclusions:

• A significant deficiency in theoretical BLS and ALS knowledge exists among Ecuadorian physicians.
• Prior certification and years of experience are associated with knowledge levels.
• Regular updates and continuous training in life support are crucial for improving physician skills and patient care.