Anesthetists' Knowledge, Attitude, and related Factors on Patient Safety in Government Hospitals in Ethiopia a Multicenter Approach.

In the field of healthcare, ensuring patient safety is a critical priority that has garnered global recognition as a pressing public health concern. Despite notable progress in medical treatments and diagnostic technologies, patients continue to be at risk of adverse events and harm during the perioperative period. Anesthetists hold a pivotal position in this phase of patient care and have the potential to greatly impact safety and outcomes. This research sought to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and influencing factors of anesthetists concerning patient safety in government referral hospitals situated in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Between January and June 2021, a multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted in 13 governmental referral hospitals located in Addis Ababa. Data were collected using a standardized and pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 24.0. The variables and their associated factors were examined for their association with logistic regression, and significance was determined at a P-value of less than 0.05. Of the anesthesia professionals surveyed, 238 (86.86%) completed the questionnaire. The study revealed that over half of the participants had good knowledge (56.7%) and a positive attitude (68.9%). Factors significantly associated with patient safety knowledge included having patient safety information during continuing education [AOR = 4.016; 95% CI: (1.99-8.07)] and having a working experience of more than 15 years [AOR = 3.9; 95% CI: (1.23-12.29)]. Additionally, those who received patient safety training [AOR =2.0; 95% CI: (1.2-3.64)] were more likely to have a positive attitude than those who did not receive such training. The study found that a majority of Ethiopian anesthetists hold a favorable view toward patient safety, with 56.7% demonstrating good patient safety knowledge and 68.9% exhibiting a favorable attitude toward patient safety. Work experience, continuous education, patient safety training, and strong knowledge were identified as crucial factors in ensuring patient safety.Therefore, it is recommended that anesthesia professionals participate in educational programs and receive training in patient safety to address these concerns.