Epistaxis first-aid: a multi-center knowledge assessment study among medical workers

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Emergency Medicine
• Nosebleed Management

Background:

• Epistaxis (nosebleeds) are common, requiring prompt and appropriate first-aid.
• Medical staff's knowledge of epistaxis first-aid is crucial for effective patient care.
• Current understanding of best practices for epistaxis management among healthcare professionals needs assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the knowledge and confidence levels of medical staff regarding epistaxis first-aid.
• To assess understanding of key first-aid components: digital pressure site, head position, and pressure duration.
• To identify gaps in epistaxis management knowledge across different medical disciplines.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 597 medical staff (nurses and physicians) from various specialties.
• A paper-based multiple-choice questionnaire was used to assess knowledge.
• Correct answers were established through literature review and expert consensus.

Main Results:

• Significant deficits in knowledge regarding epistaxis first-aid were observed across most participants.
• Accuracy varied by specialty for head position (highest in pediatrics/internal medicine) and pressure duration (highest in pediatrics/community health).
• Nurses in emergency departments showed better head position knowledge than nurses in other fields; a negative correlation existed between experience and confidence.

Conclusions:

• A considerable lack of knowledge in epistaxis first-aid exists among medical staff, especially emergency department physicians.
• Findings underscore an urgent requirement for targeted education and training programs.
• Enhancing healthcare workers' proficiency in epistaxis management is essential.