Strengthening Altitude Knowledge: A Delphi Study to Define Minimum Knowledge of Altitude Illness for Laypersons Traveling to High Altitude

Abstract

Introduction.A lack of knowledge among laypersons about the hazards of high-altitude exposure contributes to morbidity and mortality from acute mountain sickness (AMS), high altitude cerebral edema (HACE), and high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) among high altitude travelers. There are guidelines regarding the recognition, prevention, and treatment of acute altitude illness for experts, but essential knowledge for laypersons traveling to high altitudes has not been defined. We sought expert consensus on the essential knowledge required for people planning to travel to high altitudes. Methods:The Delphi method was used. The panel consisted of two moderators: a core expert group and a plenary expert group. The moderators made a preliminary list of statements defining the desired minimum knowledge for laypersons traveling to high altitudes, based on the relevant literature. These preliminary statements were then reviewed, supplemented, and modified by a core expert group. A list of 33 statements was then presented to a plenary group of experts in successive rounds.Results: It took 3 rounds to reach a consensus. Of the 10 core experts invited, seven completed all the rounds. Of the 76 plenary experts, 41 (54%) participated in round 1, and of these 41 a total of 32 (78%) experts completed all three rounds. The final list contained 28 statements in five categories (altitude physiology, sleeping at altitude, AMS, HACE, and HAPE). This list represents an expert consensus on the desired minimum knowledge for laypersons planning high altitude travel. Conclusion:Using the Delphi method, the STAK initiative yielded a set of 28 statements representing essential learning objectives for laypersons who plan to travel to high altitudes. This list could be used to develop educational interventions.

Effect of furosemide in the treatment of high-altitude pulmonary edema

“…The average age of the patients enrolled in this study was 34.15 years, and there was a minimal presence of patients with pre-existing chronic conditions. This could be attributed to the fact that individuals visiting high-altitude areas are aware of the potential impact on their physical health, which seems to be different from what was previously described in the literature [ 22 ] as a lack of understanding among novices regarding the hazards of high-altitude exposure. Consequently, the study population consisted of individuals who were generally in good health prior to the onset of HAPE, with even patients who had comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension being scarce.…”

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Berg- und Expeditionsmedizin e. V.

“…We expect that less than half of the alpinists staying overnight in the huts of the Monte Rosa massif (> 3000 m) have adequate knowledge (a sufficient score on the questionnaire). The main objective of the project is to establish a baseline inventory of the state of knowledge about altitude-related illnesses among high-altitude travelers (laypersons) using the international STrengthening Altitude Knowledge (STAK) consensus 1 as the yardstick. This will provide the basis for developing strategies to improve knowledge.…”

“…The main objective of the project is to establish a baseline inventory of the state of knowledge about altitude-related illnesses among high-altitude travelers (laypersons) using the international STrengthening Altitude Knowledge (STAK) consensus [1] as the yardstick. This will provide the basis for developing strategies to improve knowledge.…”

“…Lack of knowledge about altitude-related health problems in high-altitude travelers is a significant risk factor for altitude sickness. A recently published international consensus [1] on what high-altitude travelers need to know now makes it possible to evaluate current knowledge using a questionnaire. The goal of our project is to survey current knowledge about high-altitude medicine among mountaineers.…”

Recommendations for Women in Mountain Sports and Hypoxia Training/Conditioning

“…The public and scientific interest in hypoxia research is rapidly increasing. This is not only because of increasing travel to mountainous regions and growing numbers of people performing sports at high altitude [ 14 ], which are linked to more individuals exposing themselves to the risk of developing high-altitude illnesses (HAIs; general practical recommendations for minimising HAIs are available [ 15 , 16 ]). There is also an increasing interest in altitude/hypoxic training in both endurance [ 17 ] and team-sports athletes [ 18 ].…”