ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE OF LATEST ACLS GUIDELINES AMONG KING ABDULAZIZ UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL EMERGENCY MEDICINE STAFF

Abstract

Background: Emergency medicine requires swift and effective decision-making to manage critical patient conditions. Understanding the preferences and practices of healthcare professionals in emergency scenarios is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional observational design to assess the knowledge of the latest ACLS guidelines among emergency medicine staff at King Abdulaziz University Hospital. The study was conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital. The population of interest for this study comprises all emergency medicine staff working at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, including physicians, nurses, and paramedics involved in the management of cardiac emergencies. The survey was divided into two parts: the first part assessed the participant's demographics, experience, and education in emergency medicine, while the second part evaluated the participants' knowledge and implementation of the latest ACLS guidelines. Study tools were adopted from ACLS provider pretest questions.

Results: A survey involving 101 healthcare professionals revealed diverse responses to various clinical scenarios. Nurses constituted the largest group of respondents (35.6%), indicating their pivotal role in emergency care. In specific clinical scenarios, adenosine was favored for stable tachycardia (95.0%), while aspirin was preferred for post-STEMI patients (62.4%). Epinephrine emerged as the preferred intervention in cardiac arrest situations (78.2%). Rotation of chest compressors every 2 minutes was the predominant practice to avoid fatigue during CPR (91.1%). The findings reflect a spectrum of perspectives and practices among healthcare professionals, highlighting the complexity of decision-making in emergency medicine.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the collaborative effort among multidisciplinary teams in emergency care, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and adaptability in clinical decision- making. The high adherence to established guidelines and best practices suggests a strong foundation for delivering timely and effective interventions in emergency settings. Continued research and education are essential to further enhance emergency care delivery and improve patient outcomes.