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Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding COVID-19 among healthcare professionals in anaesthesiology and intensive care

This quality improvement study investigated the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding COVID-19 among healthcare professionals working in the department of anaesthesiology and intensive care at University Hospital Ayr. A questionnaire was adapted from the April 2020 guidelines for healthcare workers issued by the Department of Health and Social Care, Health Protection Scotland and Public Health Scotland. A total of 70 healthcare workers completed the questionnaire, including doctors, intensive care nurses and operation theatre staff. Continuous variables were analysed using the student's independent t-test and analysis of variance, while categorical variables were compared using either the Chi-square or Fisher's exact test. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean knowledge, positive attitude and good practice scores were 14.86, 12.25 and 12.96 out of 19 (respectively) among all staff. Analysis showed statistically significant differences between scores dependent on job category, particularly in their knowledge of key terms, personal protective equipment use and the latest COVID-19 guidelines. Consultants scored significantly higher than other staff members, while operating theatre staff and redeployed intensive care unit nurses tended to score lower on average. Healthcare staff require more professional support, with more emphasis placed on their physical and psychological wellbeing. This can be achieved through periodic training to increase knowledge and confidence. Clearer communication and a more positive working environment is also needed.