The evaluation of Interns’ attitude and knowledge about anesthesia preoperative clinic in Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex of Tehran; A cross sectional study

The Anesthesia preoperative clinic has a substantial role in preparing the patients for almost all
surgical procedures. Considering the significant role of general practitioners (GPs) in the medical management of patients scheduled for surgeries, we interrogated the interns’ level of awareness and knowledge about the anesthesia preoperative clinic and its functions.

This cross-sectional study was performed based on a self-made questionnaire, which evaluated the attitude and knowledge of 100 interns of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran. The results were analyzed using SPSS-18 software. The significance was considered as p<0.05.

The mean age of participants was 25.6±1.1 years, of which 60(60%) were female. The mean score of the interns’ awareness about preoperative clinic was 7.4±1.8 of 11. By increasing the age and the duration of internship, their level of knowledge and attitude had not changed. There was no relationship between the level of attitude and awareness of the interns in terms of age, sex, internship months, and history of surgery in themselves or their relatives, and passing anesthesia course. (P = 0.929) There is a positive attitude about the role of anesthesia clinic, though , there is not a detailed developed educational program.

It seems that we should revise our educational policies to improve knowledge and responsibility of our interns in order to prepare them for better patient management.