Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding perioperative neurocognitive disorders among anesthesia practitioners

Highlights•Exploring KAP of anesthesia healthcare workers on perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND).•Inadequate knowledge but positive attitudes and proactive practices among anesthesia healthcare workers on PND.•Tailored education needed for anesthesia healthcare workers to address knowledge gaps on PND and enhance patient care.AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among anesthesia practitioners concerning perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND).MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled anesthesia practitioners from 18 hospitals in China using s self-administered questionnaire between July and September 2023.ResultsA total of 200 (98.04 %) valid questionnaire were enrolled, the responders of which aged 36.56 ± 8.24 years, including 130 (65 %) females. The mean KAP scores were 12.28 ± 3.78 (possible range: 0 20),29.22 ± 3.28 (possible range: 8–40), and 29.32 ± 4.30 (possible range: 8–40), respectively. The path analysis demonstrated that number of daily surgical cases (β = 0.82, p = 0.018), education (β = 1.49, p < 0.001), and participation in a related research project (β = 1.32, p = 0.003) had direct effects on knowledge. Working in teaching hospital has direct effect on attitude (β = 1.82, p = 0.027). Furthermore, knowledge (β = 0.29, p < 0.001) and attitude (β = 0.20, p = 0.026) also have direct effects on practice.ConclusionsAnesthesia practitioners had inadequate knowledge, positive attitude, and proactive practice towards PND. Number of daily surgical cases, education, participation in a related research project, and working in teaching hospital might have effects on their KAP.