Assessment of knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery among Health care professionals at Jimma Medical Center, 2024

Abstract

Background: ERAS is a multidisciplinary approach designed to optimize surgical recovery through evidence-based practices. Despite its proven benefits in reducing postoperative complications and hospital stays, there is limited understanding of ERAS among healthcare professionals in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly in Ethiopia. This study seeks to identify gaps in KAP that may hinder the effective implementation of ERAS. Objectives: To evaluate the KAP of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery among Health Care Professionals at Jimma Medical Center concerning ERAS protocols. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed from November to December 2024. The study population was including all anesthetists, senior surgeons, surgery residents, and nurses working in surgical wards at Jimma Medical Center. A structured questionnaire was developed to collect data on demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to ERAS. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26, employing descriptive statistics. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses was performed to identify factors associated with dependent variable. Result: A total of 137 health care providers were included as study participants with a response rate of 94.4%. 63.5% (n=87) demonstrated good knowledge, 56.9% (n=78) held a positive attitude, and 52.6% (72) reported good practice toward enhanced recovery after surgery. Work experience, profession and training were significantly associated with knowledge toward enhanced recovery after surgery. Work experiences had positive attitude while being surgeons had negative attitude regarding enhanced recovery after surgery. Regarding practice of enhanced recovery after surgery, being surgeons and no training had poor practice. Conclusion and Recommendation: Overall knowledge, attitude and practice of health care providers toward enhanced recovery after surgery were good. Education, work experience, and on-the-job training play vital roles in determining health care providers' knowledge attitudes and practice towards enhanced recovery after surgery protocols. Health care providers should implement and adhere for enhanced recovery after surgery protocol.