Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Thoracic Healthcare Professionals Toward Postoperative Pulmonary Embolism

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Thoracic Surgery

Background:

• Postoperative pulmonary embolism (PPE) is a significant complication impacting patient outcomes.
• Assessing healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) is crucial for effective PPE management.
• Thoracic healthcare professionals are key in preventing and managing PPE.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of thoracic healthcare professionals concerning postoperative pulmonary embolism (PPE).
• To identify relationships between KAP components in the context of PPE management.
• To provide insights for enhancing clinical strategies against PPE.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 222 thoracic healthcare professionals.
• Data collection via a self-designed questionnaire assessing demographic data and KAP scores.
• Statistical analysis included correlation and path analyses to explore KAP interrelationships.

Main Results:

• Participants achieved mean scores of 9.03/11 for knowledge, 50.09/55 for attitudes, and 35.78/45 for practices.
• While awareness of PPE definitions and risk factors was high, only 24.77% identified the classic clinical triad.
• Positive correlations were observed between knowledge and attitudes (r=0.218) and attitudes and practices (r=0.234), with knowledge influencing attitudes and attitudes influencing practices.

Conclusions:

• Thoracic healthcare professionals possess adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and proactive practices regarding PPE.
• The study highlights a strong foundation for improving postoperative care and mitigating PPE risks.
• Further targeted education may address specific knowledge gaps, such as identifying the classic clinical triad of PPE.