Assessment of Knowledge and Practices Regarding Hemorrhage Control Techniques Suturing and Pressure Bandaging Among Emergency Health Care Personnel in Emergency Departments: A Cross-Sectional Study in Kohat

Abstract

Background: Traumatic bleeding is a significant trauma-related cause of death that can be prevented, especially if the bleeding is not identified and controlled early. The emergency department (ED) staff needs to be knowledgeable and have practical experience in assembling and using pressure bandages, suturing, cleaning wounds, preventing infection and other basic skills for controlling hemorrhage.

Objective: This study aimed to estimate knowledge and self-reported practices of health care providers in emergency department in Kohat regarding hemorrhage control techniques especially suturing and pressure bandaging.

Design: Descriptive Cross sectional study was conducted in Emergency health care personnel of Government Hospital Kohat and Rescue 1122 Kohat of 80 participants. Information was gathered using a structured self-administered questionnaire comprising of demographic, knowledge, practice-related and perceived effectiveness questions. The responses were analyzed by using SPSS version 29. Frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were calculated and some associations were explored using appropriate statistical methods.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 32.36 ± 6.88 years. They were predominantly male (76% to be exact), had a higher education level (diploma or above) and had over six years of experience in emergency work. The mean knowledge score was 6.69 ± 0.63 out of 7 and 93.8% of the respondents had a good knowledge. The mean score for practice was 34.61 ± 5.10 out of 40, with 81.2% being classified as good practice. The effectiveness of the learning process was also good, with an average score of 27.22 ± 2.74 out of 30. The greater the experience, workplace, knowledge level or practice level, the better the hemorrhage-control performance and perceptions.

Conclusions: Overall, there was good knowledge among the emergency health care personnel in Kohat and positive self-reported practices related to hemorrhage control. The results, however, also showed there were identified deficits regarding awareness of emergency priorities and in practice. For hemorrhage-control care, regular refresher sessions, simulation-based exercises, competency checks and supervision at the workplace are recommended to reinforce hemorrhage-control care and improve trauma outcomes.