Analysis of the Knowledge and Awareness Regarding Anaesthesiology Among Undergraduate Medical Students in a Government Medical College

Abstract

BACKGROUND Anaesthesiologists play a crucial role in patient management, but their contribution remains unrecognized as they are always behind the scenes. This has led to a lack of awareness and knowledge of anaesthesia among public and medical students. This study was conducted to find out knowledge and awareness of anaesthesia speciality among undergraduate medical students. The study also aimed to highlight the need for increasing the clinical exposure of medical students in speciality of anaesthesiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a questionnaire based cross sectional study where 86 medical students completed a questionnaire of 12 items. The questionnaire was divided into four parts-1. Demographic details and career choice. 2. Knowledge of students regarding role of anaesthesiologist. 3. Knowledge of students regarding role of anaesthesiologist in hospital activities. 4. Knowledge of students regarding clinical anaesthesia. Results were calculated in percentage format. RESULTS The study showed that undergraduate medical students (preclinical batches) lacked knowledge of anaesthesia, few were not aware that anaesthesiologist is a doctor and majority of students were not aware about types of anaesthesia and preoperative fasting. CONCLUSION It was concluded that students lacked knowledge of anaesthesia and effective measures need to be taken to increase the awareness and knowledge of anaesthesia among undergraduate students. This could be accomplished by designing an attractive clinical curriculum highlighting the glamourous aspect of this speciality (management of chronic pain and exposure to intensive care units) and considering the possibility of including anaesthesiology as a separate subject in undergraduate syllabus.