Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward perioperative neurocognitive disorders among healthcare workers in Shandong,...

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) refer to neurocognitive abnormalities detected during the perioperative period, currently including postoperative delirium, delayed neurocognitive recovery, postoperative neurocognitive disorder, and both mild and major cognitive impairments. It is a prevalent complication among surgical patients, particularly in older populations. Moreover, PND can have a profound effect on the quality of life for these patients. PND has been previously reported to occur with a prevalence of 10-54% during the first few weeks following surgery, and when persistent at the time of discharge or in the longer term, PND may increase mortality. Therefore, it is of considerable importance for healthcare professionals to accurately identify the occurrence of PND and implement appropriate management measures. This research aims to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of healthcare workers concerning perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) in Shandong Province, China.

This cross-sectional study recruited healthcare workers from twelve hospitals in Shandong Province, China, utilizing self-administered questionnaires distributed between February and May 2025. There are 12 items in the knowledge dimension, and the total score range for this dimension is 0 to 12 points. There are a total of seven items in the attitude dimension, and the total score range for this dimension is 7 to 35 points. There are a total of nine items in the practice dimension, and the total score range for this dimension is from 9 to 45 points.

The analysis included a total of 309 valid questionnaires, which represents an impressive 87.78% response rate. Among them, a total of 193 doctors (62.5%) and 116 nurses (37.5%) participated in the survey, respectively. The PND knowledge score was 9.14 (SD = 2.85, range = 0-12). The PND attitudes score was 30.89 (SD = 3.81, range = 7-35). The PND practices score was 36.16 (SD = 7.77, range = 9-45). Furthermore, Path analysis indicated that participants' knowledge of PND among healthcare workers had a direct and positive effect on their attitudes (β = 0.545, P < 0.001) and practices towards PND (β = 0.230, P = 0.002). And attitudes towards PND also had a direct and positive effect on practices (β = 0.238, P = 0.001). In addition, the knowledge exerted an indirect effect on practice through attitudes (β = 0.581, P = 0.003).

Healthcare practitioners have sufficient knowledge, and they demonstrate positive attitudes and adopt proactive approaches regarding PND. The understanding and perspectives of healthcare workers are closely linked to their actions towards PND. Educational training is pivotal in shaping their knowledge, attitude, and practice.