[Analysis of knowledge about the anesthesiology specialty among a population of medical students]

To analyze the knowledge of anesthesiology possessed by a group of medical students representative of medically trained individuals who have not yet worked in a hospital.

Students in their fifth year of medical studies at the University of Valencia were invited to voluntarily and anonymously answer a questionnaire with dichotomous and multiple choice responses covering general and specific aspects of anesthesiology. The survey also collected personal and epidemiological data. One hundred eighty-five questionnaires were returned.

The results obtained were analyzed for correlations with epidemiological and personal data (sex, information received, prior anesthesia); no significant correlations were found between these data and correct response. It was believed by 78.4% that the anesthesiologist's function during surgery does not go beyond warning the surgeon of changes in vital signs. Nevertheless, 76.2% asserted that the anesthesiologist's function is to protect the patient during the perioperative period.

In comparison with the general population, medical students' training has left them with inadequate understanding of anesthesiology.