Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of anesthesiology healthcare professionals regarding crisis resource management in Shanghai, China: a cross-sectional study

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of anesthesiology healthcare professionals concerning crisis resource management (CRM). A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Shanghai between November 20, 2024, and December 31, 2024. Data were collected using a self-developed questionnaire in Chinese based on published CRM/ACRM evidence summaries and educational resources. A total of 407 valid responses were obtained, yielding a valid response rate of 93.14%. Among the respondents, 281 (69.04%) were affiliated with public tertiary hospitals, 174 (42.75%) were primarily based in the operating room (OR) versus other anesthesiology work settings, and 223 (54.79%) were physicians. The mean self-perceived familiarity (knowledge), attitude, and practice scores were 12.39 ± 3.47 (possible range: 0–20), 30.85 ± 4.74 (possible range: 8–40), and 36.18 ± 6.95 (possible range: 10–50), respectively. In the prespecified path analysis (SEM) using summed KAP scores, knowledge was significantly associated with attitude and practice in the prespecified path model, and attitude was significantly associated with practice; knowledge was also indirectly associated with practice through attitude within the theoretical model (all P < 0.001). Anesthesiology healthcare professionals demonstrated moderate levels of self-perceived knowledge, generally positive attitudes, and frequent CRM-related practices, with significant associations among these components. These findings suggest that CRM-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices are statistically associated within this cross-sectional framework, although causal relationships cannot be inferred.