Investigator(s)
| Submitter |
Tenzin Yoezer Tsirang Hospital Tenzin Yoezer 
|
| Principal Investigator |
Tenzin Yoezer National Medical Service, Ministry of Health Tenzin Yoezer
|
Title(s) and abstract
| Scientific title | Bhutanese Public Awareness, Knowledge, Attitude, and Opinion Regarding Anesthesia Services: A multicenter Cross-Sectional Study |
| Public title | Public Awareness, Knowledge, Attitude, and Opinion Regarding Anesthesia Services in Bhutan: Findings from a Nationwide Survey |
| Background | Anesthesiology is a medical specialty recognized primarily for its role in patient safety and comfort during surgery by facilitating painless procedures. Since the successful public demonstration by William TG Morton in 1846, the field of anesthesia has developed significantly. Today, the scope of anesthesiology has expanded beyond the confines of the operating theater. Anesthesiologists provide expert care in pain management, intensive care units, trauma response, and procedural sedation during various procedures such as minor surgical procedures, endoscopies, colonoscopies, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for psychiatric patients. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the global recognition of the significant role played by anesthesiologists. Despite their critical contributions to multidisciplinary healthcare, anesthesia professionals often remain undervalued by both the public and fellow medical professionals. This lack of recognition is mainly because of the unseen nature of their work. For instance, patient and family members attribute successful surgeries to only the surgeon while overlooking the role of anesthesiologists in ensuring safety, pain management, and recovery. In recent decades, anesthesia services in Bhutan have undergone significant improvement and expansion nationwide. However, there is a notable research gap regarding public understanding and attitudes towards anesthesia services in Bhutan. While there is ample research on such topics in other countries, data specific to Bhutan is scarce. Moreover, Bhutan’s unique healthcare context, such as geographical barriers, rural-urban disparities, and cultural perceptions of medical care, may influence public understanding of anesthesia. |
| Objectives | Aim: To assess the public awareness, knowledge, attitudes, trust, and opinions of the Bhutanese regarding anesthesia services and the role of anesthesiologists among Bhutanese adults undergoing elective surgeries at 10 district hospitals providing nationwide surgical and anesthesia services. Objectives: 1. To measure the baseline level of public knowledge and awareness of anesthesia and the role of anesthetist among Bhutanese adults (≥18 years) through a multicenter cross-sectional survey conducted over 12 months. 2. To evaluate public attitudes, opinions, concerns, and trust toward anesthesia services and providers in Bhutan. 3. To compare knowledge and attitudes about anesthesia services between urban and rural populations in Bhutan. 4. To compare knowledge and attitudes about anesthesia services between previous anesthesia experience and no anesthesia experience. 5. To identify socio-demographic factors (e.g., age, gender, education level, geographic region, ethnicity) associated with variations in anesthesia-related knowledge, attitudes, and trust through statistical analysis of the survey data. services. |
| Study Methods | The cross-sectional, multicenter study using a structured questionnaire will be conducted in ten hospitals in Bhutan with surgical facilities: Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital(JDWNRH), Central Regional Referral Hospital(CRRH), Eastern Regional Referral Hospital(ERRH), Wangdue District Hospital, Tsirang District Hospital, Bumthang District Hospital, Tashigang District Hospital, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck Military Hospital, Phuentsholing District Hospital, and Samtse District Hospital. |
| Expected outcomes and use of results | This survey aims to bridge this gap by assessing public knowledge, attitudes, and opinions of anesthesia services and their providers in Bhutan. The study also aims to determine potential differences in knowledge and attitude between individuals who have had direct contact with anesthesia services and those who have not. Findings from this study will provide valuable insight for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public to enhance public understanding and appreciation of this critical medical specialty. |
| Keywords | Anestehsia, Attitude, Awareness, Knowledge, Opinions, Public, |
Research Details
| Student research | No |
| Start Date | 01-Jul-2024 |
| End Date | 31-Dec-2026 |
| Key Implementing Institution | Self |
| Multi-country research | No |
| Nationwide research | Yes |
| Research Domain(s) | Non-communicable diseases & Healthy Lifestyles |
| Research field(s) | Other (Survey on Awareness in the anesthesia) |
| Involves human subjects | Yes |
| Population-Based Survey | |
| Data Collection | Primary data |
| Proposal reviewed by other Committee | No |