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Factors Associated With Loss Of Motivation And Hesitation To Work Amongst Frontline Health Care Providers During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey From A Developing Country, Mehreen Malik, Syeda Tayyaba Rehan, Farheen Malik, Jawad Ahmed, Chaudhary Abdul Fatir, Hassan Ul Hussain, Asiyah Aman, Muhammad Junaid Tahir

Department of Anaesthesia

Background: The COVID-19 took over the world in 2020 and a lockdown has been imposed seeing its fast spread. Frontline health care workers (HCWs) were reported frequently with a lack of motivation, hesitancy and unwillingness to perform their duties during this pandemic. This cross-sectional survey aims to evaluate the factors associated with lack of motivation and increased hesitancy among the frontline HCWs to perform their duties during COVID-19 pandemic.
Materials and methods: A total of 239 HCWs were included in this web-based cross-sectional study, who have worked during the COVID-19 pandemic. The anonymous online questionnaire was sent to all faculty, …

Factors Influencing The Use Of Postoperative Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (Bipap) In Patients Undergoing Adult Cardiac Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Syed Shabbir Ahmed, Muhammad Saad Yousuf, Khalid Samad, Hameed Ullah, Khalid Maudood Siddiqui

Department of Anaesthesia

Background and aims: Respiratory complications are one of the biggest challenges following cardiac surgery, which can lead to hypoxia and acute respiratory failure (ARF). The aim of this study to identify the factors led to BiPAP application for postoperative respiratory complications and its effectiveness as the main outcome measures after cardiac surgery.
Methods: It was a retrospective cohort study with consecutive sampling technique. A total of 335 postcardiac surgery patients medical record was reviewed who were underwent for surgery from November 1, 2018 to November 30, 2019. 265 patients were finalized for the recruitment, five patients were excluded before the …

Pharmacological Interventions For The Treatment And Control Of Shivering In Adult Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery Under Regional Anaesthesia: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Malika Hameed, Naureen Akber Ali, Khalid Ahsan, Mohsin Nazir

Department of Anaesthesia

Intraoperative shivering is quite common after regional anaesthesia, which not only increases the total body oxygen requirement but also causes discomfort to the patients. The aim of this systematic review is to determine the effectiveness of pharmacological agents administered intra-operatively for treating shivering in adult patients who are undergoing elective surgery under regional (i.e., central neuraxial) anaesthesia so that an optimal choice of an agent can be recommended for clinical application. A literature search was carried out using PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL databases, and hand searches to identify relevant studies. After literature screening and information extraction, a systematic review was …

Modified Jaw Thrust I-Gel Insertion Technique In Adults: A Case Series, Dileep Kumar

Department of Anaesthesia

Background: The I-gel is a second-generation supraglottic airway device that is built with a noninflatable elliptical gel material cuff and has a wide semirigid stem. The I-gel supralaryngeal seal has shown promising efficacy for both spontaneous and controlled ventilation under general anesthesia. The recommended, standard I-gel insertion technique is relatively challenging due to its shape and cuff size. Usually, the I-gel becomes entrapped at the oral cavity and requires excessive force to negotiate across the oropharynx, resulting in insertion resistance, tongue obstruction, insertion failure, and intraoral trauma. This case series evaluated a modified jaw thrust I-gel insertion technique because it …

Duration Of Cessation Of Smoking Before Elective Surgery: Impact On Intraoperative Hemodynamics And Early Postoperative Pain In Developing Country, Mohsin Nazir, Gauhar Afshan, Muslima Ejaz, Amir Raza

Department of Anaesthesia

Aim and Background: It is estimated that up to 20% of patients coming for elective surgery are smokers and carry a risk of perioperative complications. Though smoking cessation and its impact on perioperative outcome are widely investigated worldwide we were unable to find any data in Pakistan. The objective of the study is to determine the impact of the duration of smoking cessation before elective surgery on intraoperative hemodynamics and postoperative pain in Pakistani population.
Methods: It was a prospective cohort study conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi, Pakistan, for one-year duration. A total of 260 patients scheduled …

Frequency Of Early Postoperative Adverse Events (Aes) In Adult Patients Undergoing Elective Neurosurgical Intervention At Tertiary Care Center In Pakistan, Mansoor Chandio, Faraz Shafiq, Ather Enam

Department of Anaesthesia

Objective: The postoperative period is critical in neurosurgical patients, where the incidence of postoperative AEs is significantly high. Most of events occurs during recovery phase and has got relation to anaesthetic management. The objective of study was to determine frequency of early AEs in elective neurosurgical patients.
Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted at our tertiary care center. The duration of study was one year, from August 2017-July 2018. The data was collected using predesigned proforma. The assessment was done on arrival in recovery room (T1) and then at forty five minutes (T2), twenty-fourth hour (T3) and forty-eighth hour …

Ratio Of Height To Thyromental Distance: A Comparison With Mallampati And Upper Lip Bite Test For Predicting Difficult Intubation In Pakistani Population, Saman Tauheed Ali, Khalid Samad, Syed Amir Raza, Muhammad Qamarul Hoda

Department of Anaesthesia

Objective: To compare the accuracy of three diagnostic tests in predicting difficult laryngoscopy using Cormack and Lehane grade as the gold standard.
Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from August 2014 to August 2015, and comprised patients who required endotracheal intubation for elective surgical procedures. The primary investigator used ratio of height to thyromental distance, upper lip bite test and the modified Mallampati test for assessing the airway correlated with laryngoscopic view based on Cormack and Lehane grading. Data was analysed using SPSS 19.
Results: Of the 383 patients, 59(15.4%) were classified as …

Post-Operative Pain Management Modalities Employed In Clinical Trials For Adult Patients In Lmic; A Systematic Review, Gauhar Afshan, Robyna Irshad Khan, Aliya Ahmed, Ali Sarfraz Siddiqui, Azhar Rehman, Syed Amir Raza, Rozina Kerai, Khawaja Mustafa

Department of Anaesthesia

Background: Unrelieved postoperative pain afflicts millions each year in low and middle income countries (LMIC). Despite substantial advances in the study of pain, this area remains neglected. Current systematic review was designed to ascertain the types of clinical trials conducted in LMIC on postoperative pain management modalities over the last decade.
Methods: A comprehensive search was performed in June 2019 on PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL Plus, and Web of Science databases to identify relevant trials on the management of postoperative pain in LMIC. Out of 1450 RCTs, 108 studies were reviewed for quality evidence using structured form of critical appraisal …

Thyrotoxic Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis: A Success Story Of A Diagnostic Challenge, Mohsin Nazir, Malika Hameed, Rizwana Shehzad

Department of Anaesthesia

Thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis (THPP) is a rare but life-threatening complication of hyperthyroidism seen predominantly in males. It is generally characterized by hypokalemia and skeletal muscle paralysis requiring intensive care admission. Hypokalemia occurs due to the massive intracellular shift of potassium because of the hyperactivity of the sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphates pump (Na⁺ K⁺ ATPase). Its differential diagnosis from the other common causes of hypokalemic paralysis is essential to provide targeted therapy. We present a rare case of THPP in a female patient with no prior history of thyroid disease. THPP in this patient was precipitated by trauma and …

Incidence And Risk Factors Of Delirium In Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Muhammad Asghar Ali, Madiha Hashmi, Waqas Ahmed, Syed Amir Raza, Muhammad Faisal Khan, Bushra Salim

Department of Anaesthesia

Background: To evaluate the incidence and modifiable risk factors of delirium in surgical intensive care unit (SICU) of tertiary care hospital in a low-income and middle-income country.
Methods: We conducted a single cohort observational study in patients over 18 years of age who were admitted to the SICU for >24 hours in Aga Khan University Hospital from January to December 2016. Patients who had pre-existing cognitive dysfunction were excluded. Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist was used to assess delirium. Incidence of delirium was computed, and univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to observe the relationship between outcome and associated factors. …

Quality Assurance Audit In Adult Cardiac Anaesthesia, Syed Shabbir Ahmed, Mohammad Hamid, Faisal Junejo

Department of Anaesthesia

Objective: To assess different anaesthesia-related quality indicators during adult cardiac surgery.
Methods: The prospective clinical audit was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from October 2016 to March 2017, and comprised all adult patients scheduled for cardiac surgery. Different anaesthesia-related quality indicators were observed during the pre-induction phase, before the cardiopulmonary bypass, during the procedure, and post-surgery till the transfer from the operating room to the cardiac intensive care unit. Data was analysed using SPSS 19.
Results: Of the 264 patients, 217(82.2%) had complete record; 160(73.7%) males and 57(26.3%) females. The overall mean age was 56.56±12.46 years. In …

Epidemiological Characteristics, Ventilator Management, And Clinical Outcome In Patients Receiving Invasive Ventilation In Intensive Care Units From 10 Asian Middle-Income Countries (Provent-Imic): An International, Multicenter, Prospective Study, Luigi Pisani, Anna Geke Algera, Ary Serpa Neto, Areef Ahsan, Abigail Beane, Kaweesak Chittawatanarat, Abul Faiz, Rashan Haniffa, Seyed Mohammadreza Hashemian, Madiha Hashmi

Department of Anaesthesia

Epidemiology, ventilator management, and outcome in patients receiving invasive ventilation in intensive care units (ICUs) in middle-income countries are largely unknown. PRactice of VENTilation in Middle-income Countries is an international multicenter 4-week observational study of invasively ventilated adult patients in 54 ICUs from 10 Asian countries conducted in 2017/18. Study outcomes included major ventilator settings (including tidal volume [V T] and positive end-expiratory pressure [PEEP]); the proportion of patients at risk for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), according to the lung injury prediction score (LIPS), or with ARDS; the incidence of pulmonary complications; and ICU mortality. In 1,315 patients included, …

Post Operative Sore Throat: Comparison Between Macintosh Versus Video Laryngoscope In Patients Intubated By Trainee Anaesthetists - A Randomised Control Trial, Amin Ahmed Kapadia, Faraz Shafiq, Amir Raza

Department of Anaesthesia

Objectives: Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a common complication related to endotracheal intubation. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of POST in patients intubated by trainee anaesthetist using Video Laryngoscope™ (VDL) or Conventional Macintosh Laryngoscope (CL).
Methods: Total 110 patient scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included from main operating room of Aga Khan University Hospital between June 2017-2018. The standardized perioperative protocol was used for general anaesthesia. Selected patients were randomly allocated into conventional laryngoscopy (CL) group or video laryngoscopy (VDL) group. The evaluation of sore throat was done at 1st, 12th and 24th hour …

Global Safety In Anaesthesia And Surgery: Implications For Anaesthesia In Pakistan, Fauzia Khan

Department of Anaesthesia

The Lancet Commission report in 2015 highlighted the role of safe surgery and anaesthesia. They also gave a framework of recommendations, indicators and targets to achieve universal access to safe surgery. This article explores the applicability of these indicators in Pakistan namely; access to timely surgery, specialist surgical workforce diversity, surgical volumes, perioperative mortality rate, protection against impoverishing expenditure and protection against catastrophic expenditure.

Frequency Of Intraoperative Hypotension After The Induction Of Anesthesia In Hypertensive Patients With Preoperative Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors, Fahad Salim, Fazal Hameed Khan, Muhammad Nasir, Rashid Ali, Ayesha Iqbal, Amir Raza

Department of Anaesthesia

Introduction: The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is an important target in the treatment of hypertension. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. ACE inhibitors not only treat hypertension but also decrease morbidity and mortality in heart failure patients and in patients with acute myocardial infarction. The discontinuation of ACE inhibitors before the surgery is still controversial. To assess the current magnitude of the problem in our population, we aimed to conduct this study, which evaluated the frequency of intraoperative hypotension after the induction of anesthesia in controlled hypertensive patients with preoperative ACE inhibitors.
Material and …

Potential Barriers Amongst Health Care Professionals Of Pakistan In Managing Covid-19 Patients, Muhammad Irfan Ul Haq, Faraz Shafiq, Haris Sheikh

Department of Anaesthesia

Objectives: To evaluate basic knowledge of Health Care Professionals (HCPs) of Pakistan in managing COVID 19 patients. It includes information regarding infection control measures, administrative and professional support. This was followed by evaluation of psychological factor that can act as a barrier in effective management of these patients.
Methods: The survey was conducted on line using Google Form. After approval from hospital ethical committee survey link was disseminated to HCPs using social media.
Results: Four hundred fifteen HCPs were participated. Most of them were younger than 30 years and majority of them were postgraduate trainees. Results showed gaps in the …

Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction Following General Anaesthesia In Patients Undergoing Elective Non-Cardiac Surgery, Khalid Samad, Hameed Ullah, Muhammad Saad Yousuf

Department of Anaesthesia

Objective: To determine frequency of early postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in patients aged 40 to 60 years, following general anaesthesia in patients undergoing elective, non-cardiac surgery.
Study design: Descriptive study.
Place and duration of study: Department of Anaesthesiology, The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi, from December 2015 to May 2016.
Methodology: After obtaining approval from Ethical Review Committee of AKUH and informed consent, ASA I and II patients, aged between 40 to 60 years of either gender, undergoing general anaesthesia for elective non-cardiac surgical procedures, were recruited. Patients were assessed preoperatively by using mini-mental state examination (MMSE); and patients …

Immediate Changes In Hemodynamics And Gas Exchange After Initiation Of Noninvasive Ventilation In Cardiac Surgical Patients, Mohammad Hamid, Mohammad Irfan Akhtar, Saba Ahmed

Department of Anaesthesia

Introduction: Cardiac surgery is associated with pulmonary dysfunction and complications such as prolonged intubation and reintubation. Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine has been used in the clinical settings to improve oxygenation, reduce work of breathing, and avoid reintubation. The effect of BiPAP on cardiovascular parameters is not well established, and very few studies have targeted hemodynamic changes. The aim of the study was to assess the immediate effect of BiPAP on respiratory and hemodynamic parameters in post-cardiac surgery patients.
Materials and methods: This quasi-experimental study was done on 33 adult cardiac surgery patients. Ethical review committee approval was sought …

Hypertension As A Reason For Cancellation Of Elective Surgical Cases On Day Of Surgery: A Five Year Audit Report From The Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi, Abdul Monem, Amjad Nadeem, Fauzia Khan

Department of Anaesthesia

Objective: To assess the controllable factors in preventing undue cancellation of elective surgical cases and to suggest measures to address the issue.
Methods: The retrospective audit was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised all cancellations of elective surgery from 2011 to 2015. The cases reviewed had been cancelled primarily due to hypertension. A three-member committee regularly reviewed files regarding case cancellations and data was gathered.
Results: Of the 42,242 surgical cases scheduled during the period, 2903 (6.8%) were cancelled. In 11(0.37%) of these cases, hypertension was the primary reason. Of them, 10(91%) were men and 1(9%) …

Intravenous Dexamethasone Along With Caudal Block Improves Analgesic Efficacy Following Day-Case Inguinal Hernia Repair In Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Amjad Nadeem, Aliya Ahmed

Department of Anaesthesia

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of intravenous dexamethasone along with caudal block in improving analgesia following inguinal hernia repair in children.
Methods: The double-blind randomised controlled trial was conducted over a 6-month period from June 01, 2016 to November 30, 2016 at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised patients aged 1-5 years, scheduled for elective inguinal hernia repair. The subjects were randomised into two groups using the sealed envelope technique. Group D patients received 0.5mg/kg dexamethasone intravenous in 5ml, and group P was given placebo (5ml 0.9% saline). Assessment of postoperative pain was made through the faces, legs, …

Perioperative Glycemic Control And Its Outcome In Patients Following Open Heart Surgery, Khalid M Siddiqui, Muhammad Ali Asghar, Muhammad F. Khan, Fazal Wahab Khan

Department of Anaesthesia

Background: Diabetes is not uncommon in patients requiring cardiac surgery. These patients have a higher incidence of morbidity and mortality. Subsequently, diabetes represents a major medico-economic problem in both developed and developing countries. This study was designed to observe the association between glycemic control and outcome of patients after open heart surgery in adult population.
Materials and methods: Data was collected retrospectively in all patients who underwent open cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting, valve, or bypass grafting with valve surgery) and survived 72 hours postoperatively and had diabetes. The study was conducted from January 2015 to December 2016.
Results: …

Sleeping Pattern Before Thoracic Surgery: A Comparison Of Baseline And Night Before Surgery, Mohammad Hamid, Mohammad Irfan Akhtar, Saba Ahmed

Department of Anaesthesia

Background: Sleep deprivation is considered a stress factor in the perioperative period. There are several studies on sleep disturbance after surgery but very limited literature available on preoperative sleep patterns, predictors of sleep disturbance and its effect on surgical outcome.
Methodology: Patients scheduled for thoracic surgery were asked to fill out a written Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. The primary investigator explained this form to all the patients. This was filled out before premedication for subjective assessment of sleeping pattern at two different time point. Only those patients included who spent the previous night at home. Participants were asked …

Cumulative Fluid Balance As A Major Predictor Of Clinical Outcome In Patients Admitted To Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Muhammad Sohaib, Madiha Hashmi, Faisal Shamim, Fazal Hameed Khan

Department of Anaesthesia

Objective: Fluid balance remains a highly controversial topic in the critical care field, and there is no consensus about the amount of fluid required by critically ill patients.In this study, the objective was to find the relationship between fluid balance and in hospital mortality in critically ill surgical patients.Our secondary objective was to identify the association between use of colloid and acute kidney injury and use of blood products and development of ARDS.
Study Design: The medical records of adult patients admitted to a surgical intensive care unit (ICU) >48 hours, from Aug 2014 toFeb 2016 (18 months) were reviewed …

A Six-Month Retrospective Study Of Resources Burden By Trauma Victims In The Surgical Intensive Care Unit Of A University Hospital In Pakistan, Muhammad Rizwan, Madiha Hashmi, Hasnain Zafar

Department of Anaesthesia

Introduction: Trauma is the fourth leading cause of death globally and constitutes a huge burden on limited critical care resources. Aim This study aimed to identify the trauma patient burden in terms of resources used in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU) of Aga Khan University Hospital in Pakistan which also included characteristics and outcomes of trauma and non-trauma patients.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patient data for adult patients (>16 years old) admitted to the SICU from July through December 2014.
Results: Of 141 SICU cases included in our study period, 32 (22.7%) trauma patients were identified. On …

Effect Of Two Techniques Of Parental Interaction On Children's Anxiety At Induction Of General Anaesthesia - A Randomized Trial, Alia Hussain, Fauzia Khan

Department of Anaesthesia

Objective: Several non-pharmacological techniques, such as parental presence and behavioral preparation, are used to decrease children's anxiety at anaesthesia induction. We compared the mean anxiety score in children at the time of anaesthesia induction with two different physical techniques of parental interaction and a control group with no parent present. The secondary objective was to determine the face mask acceptance during induction.
Methods: This study recruited 123 ASA I & II children, aged 1 to 8 years, undergoing day care surgery, who were randomly allocated to three groups. Children either went to the operating room (OR) alone (Gp C), or …

Pre-Anaesthetic Assessment Of Intracranial Pressure Using Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter In Patients Scheduled For Elective Tumour Craniotomy, Faraz Shafiq, Muhammad Asghar Ali, Fauzia Khan

Department of Anaesthesia

Background: The objective of study was to determine the pre-anaesthetic status of intracranial pressure (ICP), using ultrasonographic measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) inpatient scheduled for elective tumour craniotomy. The secondary objective was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of ONSD guided rise in ICP with clinical and radiographic parameters. This is prospective observational study, conducted at single neurosurgical theatre of The Aga Khan University over a period of one year.
Methods: After getting ethical approval and informed consent patient fulfilling inclusion criteria and planned for elective tumour craniotomy were enrolled in study. The clinical and radiographic signs predicting the …

Practice Of Ventilation In Middle-Income Countries (Provent-Imic): Rationale And Protocol For A Prospective International Multicentre Observational Study In Intensive Care Units In Asia, Luigi Pisani, Anna Geke Algera, Ary Serpa Neto, Areef Ahsan, Abigail Beane, Kaweesak Chittawatanarat, Abul Faiz, Rashan Haniffa, Reza Hashemian, Madiha Hashmi

Department of Anaesthesia

Introduction: Current evidence on epidemiology and outcomes of invasively mechanically ventilated intensive care unit (ICU) patients is predominantly gathered in resource-rich settings. Patient casemix and patterns of critical illnesses, and probably also ventilation practices are likely to be different in resource-limited settings. We aim to investigate the epidemiological characteristics, ventilation practices and clinical outcomes of patients receiving mechanical ventilation in ICUs in Asia.
Methods and Analysis: PRoVENT-iMIC (study of PRactice of VENTilation in Middle-Income Countries) is an international multicentre observational study to be undertaken in approximately 60 ICUs in 11 Asian countries. Consecutive patients aged 18 years or older who …

Factors Affecting Reintubations After Cardiac And Thoracic Surgeries In Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Of A Tertiary Care Hospital, Khalid Maudood Siddiqui, Khalid Samad, Faisal Jonejo, Muhammad Faisal Khan, Khalid Ahsan Khalid Ahsan

Department of Anaesthesia

Background: Reintubation and readmission after cardiothoracic surgeries are not uncommon, and its reasons are multifactorial. The study goal was to identify the factors that contribute reintubation after cardiac and thoracic surgery in tertiary care hospital and to compare the outcome with international benchmark.
Methodology: A prospective, observational study was planned in Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU). The study included all those patients who required readmission in CICU due to endotracheal intubation following cardiac and thoracic surgeries. The study was conducted from January to December 2016. The primary focus was to identify the reasons for reintubation within 72 h of extubation …

Occupational Exposure To Hiv In A Developing Country: Assessing Knowledge And Attitude Of Healthcare Professional Before And After An Awareness Symposium, Samina Ismail, Safia Awan, Rubaba Naeem, Sarfraz Siddiqui, Badar Afzal, Bushra Jamil, Uzma Rahim Khan2 Uzma Rahim Khan2 Uzma Rahim Khan2

Department of Anaesthesia

Objective:

Health care providers (HCPs) are at risk of occupational exposure to HIV infection. In developing world these exposure occur due to general lack of awareness, education and structured training of HCPs. The objective of the study was to asses if continuing medical education symposium can be used as an effective educational tool to improve attitude, awareness and knowledge regarding occupational exposure to HIV infection. This quasi-experimental study was conducted among HCPs from Karachi, Pakistan. After assessing the baseline knowledge, awareness, and attitude by means of pretest; HCPs were reassessed with posttest after an education symposium on occupational exposure to …

Occupational Exposure To Hiv In A Developing Country: Assessing Knowledge And Attitude Of Healthcare Professional Before And After An Awareness Symposium, Samina Ismail, Safia Awan, Rubaba Naeem, Sarfraz Siddiqui, Badar Afzal, Bushra Jamil, Uzma Rahim Khan

Department of Anaesthesia

Objective:

Health care providers (HCPs) are at risk of occupational exposure to HIV infection. In developing world these exposure occur due to general lack of awareness, education and structured training of HCPs. The objective of the study was to asses if continuing medical education symposium can be used as an effective educational tool to improve attitude, awareness and knowledge regarding occupational exposure to HIV infection. This quasi-experimental study was conducted among HCPs from Karachi, Pakistan. After assessing the baseline knowledge, awareness, and attitude by means of pretest; HCPs were reassessed with posttest after an education symposium on occupational exposure to …