A survey of anaesthesiologists’ practicing in Kenya on knowledge attitude and practice towards the use of peripheral nerve blocks

Abstract

Introduction: Peripheral nerve blocks are an alternative to general anaesthesia and neural axial blocks. Despite their benefits as compared to other forms of anaesthesia, they are infrequently used. This study’s aim was to find out the reason as to why anaesthesiologists practicing in Kenya do not frequently practice this form of anaesthesia. Objective: Was to determine knowledge, attitude and practice of anaesthesiologists practicing in Kenya toward peripheral nerve blocks. Research Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study that was carried out over a period of three months following approval from the KNH/UON-ERC. It was conducted by way of a self administered questionnaire to anaesthesiologists practicing in Kenya. The questionnaire was pre-tested before conducting the study and was accompanied by a consent form that was signed by the participant. For anaesthesiologists outside Nairobi, the principal investigator made appointments and travelled to the different regions for purposes of data collection Setting: The research was carried out in Kenya among anaesthesiologists registered with the Kenya Society of Anaesthesiologists and practicing in Kenya. Results: The study revealed that 26.2% of the respondents considered their training in peripheral nerve blocks as poor. Of these 18.5% and 59.3% of respondents gave the reason as no exposure and inadequate exposure during masters of medicine training in anaesthesiology respectively. Twenty seven point seven percent (27.7%), reported that they did not do any peripheral nerve blocks at all, 43.1% performed 1-4 PNBs, 23.1%performed 5-10 and only 6.2% performed more than 10 PNBs in a month. xii Conclusion Majority of anaesthesiologists acquired their knowledge on peripheral nerve blocks from training workshops. Majority of anaesthesiologists perform peripheral nerve blocks but peripheral nerve blocks are still infrequently practiced since only 29.2% of anaesthesiologists did 5 or more blocks in a month