Knowledge And Practice Of Basic Anaesthetic Techniques Amongst Medical Officers In Kenya

Abstract

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study on knowledge and practice of basic anaesthetic techniques amongst medical officers in Kenya. The study was undertaken following approval by the Ethical Research Committee of Kenyatta National Hospital (ERC-KNH). Questionnaires were sent to a total 210 medical officers working in public health institutions. A response rate of 70% was attained. Medical officers working at all levels of public-health system were entered in to the study. The data obtained was analyzed using statistical package for social science programme. 77.1% of the medical officers were found to have administered ketamine while 40% of them had administered spinal anaesthesia. The medical officer's knowledge on the pharmacology of ketamine and local anaesthetics was found to limited. It was found that the medical officer's knowledge on the complications of spinal anaesthesia and their management is poor.