Abstract

Background: Basic Life Support (BLS) is a critical skill set for healthcare providers, enabling them to offer immediate assistance in cardiac emergencies. In Peshawar, Pakistan, the knowledge, attitude, and practice of BLS among doctors and nurses in tertiary care hospitals have not been extensively studied, despite the region's significant healthcare demands. Understanding these aspects can inform targeted improvements in BLS training and preparedness.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding BLS among doctors and nurses working in tertiary care hospitals in Peshawar, identifying gaps and areas for enhancement.
Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from July to October 2023. The sample comprised 249 healthcare professionals (102 doctors and 147 nurses) selected through convenience sampling. Participants were assessed using a validated questionnaire adapted from previous research, covering demographics, knowledge, attitude, and practice related to BLS. Data analysis utilized SPSS version 27, with descriptive statistics summarizing demographics, and inferential statistics (independent samples T-test) examining associations between knowledge levels and demographic variables.
Results: The majority of participants were aged 26 to 30 years (47.4%), with nurses representing 59% of the sample. Knowledge assessment showed that 86.3% correctly identified the BLS abbreviation, but only 10.8% knew the correct first response for an unresponsive individual on the road. About 33.3% of participants displayed poor knowledge, with 49.0% demonstrating average knowledge. In practice scenarios, 56.2% exhibited poor practice. No significant differences were found in knowledge and practice based on gender or experience.
Conclusion: The study highlights significant gaps in BLS knowledge and practice among healthcare providers in Peshawar's tertiary care hospitals, despite generally positive attitudes towards BLS. The findings underscore the need for enhanced BLS training programs, emphasizing practical skills and regular updates to guidelines. Addressing these educational gaps is crucial for improving patient outcomes in cardiac emergencies.