The field of anaesthesia is a critical cornerstone of modern medicine, ensuring the safety and well-being of patients undergoing surgical procedures. Within this intricate medical landscape, Resident Anaesthetists are entrusted with the pivotal responsibility of administering anaesthesia, meticulously overseeing anaesthesia equipment and safeguarding patients throughout their perioperative journey. In the picturesque landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, where the grandeur of the Himalayas meets the serenity of valleys, the healthcare system relies heavily on the expertise of Resident Anaesthetists to deliver safe and effective anaesthesia services [1-3].

Anaesthesia, at its core, comprises not only the administration of anaesthetic agents but also the management of intricate and technologically advanced equipment that plays an indispensable role in patient care. Anaesthesia equipment, including anaesthesia machines, ventilators and monitoring devices, constitutes the life-supporting infrastructure that ensures patients receive the right balance of anaesthetic agents, oxygen and mechanical ventilation, tailored to their unique physiological needs [3,4].

The anaesthesia machine, a complex apparatus in itself, serves as the conduit through which anaesthetic gases and oxygen are delivered to the patient's airway. Ventilators, on the other hand, facilitate the rhythmic exchange of air, ensuring the patient receives adequate oxygen and carbon dioxide removal during surgery. The monitoring devices, ranging from electrocardiograms (ECGs) to pulse oximeters, continuously assess the patient's vital signs, providing real-time feedback that is crucial for the anaesthetist to make precise adjustments and maintain the patient's physiological stability [5,6].

Competence in managing anaesthesia equipment is an essential aspect of an anaesthetist's role. Proficiency in understanding, operating and troubleshooting these devices is paramount to ensure the safe delivery of anaesthesia, minimize risks and respond effectively to unforeseen challenges.

This study embarks on a mission to comprehensively evaluate the levels of awareness and knowledge among Resident Anaesthetists in Himachal Pradesh concerning essential anaesthesia equipment and their proper usage. By delving into their proficiency in handling anaesthesia machines, ventilators and monitoring devices and by scrutinizing their understanding of the intricate mechanisms and safety protocols associated with these instruments, we aim to illuminate areas that may require further education and training.

The significance of this research lies in its potential to enhance the competency of Resident Anaesthetists, ultimately contributing to the delivery of safer anaesthesia services, optimized patient care and elevated healthcare standards in the captivating terrain of Himachal Pradesh. As we journey through this exploration of anaesthesia equipment knowledge, we recognize the instrumental role that these devices play in preserving life and ensuring the success of surgical interventions, all within the embrace of the Himalayas.

Objectives of the Study

The primary objective of this study is to gauge the levels of awareness and knowledge about Assess knowledge regarding essential anaesthesia equipment, like anaesthesia machines, ventilators and monitoring devices and their proper usage among the Residents of Anaesthesia in Himachal Pradesh.

• Study Approach                         -               Descriptive

• Research Design        -               Cross-sectional survey design

• Study area                                   -               Himachal Pradesh

• Study duration                           -               Between April to June 2023

Study Population

The study's target population encompassed all Junior and Senior Residents of Anaesthesia working in Medical Colleges in Himachal Pradesh.

Sample Size

A robust sample size of 100 was determined using a 95% confidence level, an estimated knowledge level of 50% regarding Anaesthesia Equipment, a precise 10% absolute error margin and a conservative 5% non-response rate. 

Study Tool

A google form questionnaire consisting of questions regarding socio-demography and knowledge regarding anaesthesia equipment was created. The questionnaire was initially pre-tested on a small number of participants to identify any difficulty in understanding by the respondents. 

Description of Tool

Demographic Data Survey Instrument: The demographic form elicited information on participants’ background, age, gender, marital status, religion etc.

Questionnaire

The questionnaire contains 20 structured knowledge related questions regarding Anaesthesia Equipment. One mark was given for each correct answer and zero for incorrect answer. The maximum score was 20 and minimum score was zero. Scoring was done on the basis of marks as >80% (16-20) = very good, 60-79% (12-15) = Good, 41-59% (8-11) = Fair, <40% (< 8) = poor.

Validity of Tool 

The study tool or research tool, the questionnaire was well tested by the experts in this field

Data Collection

Data was collected under the guidance of supervisors. The google form questionnaire was circulated amongall the Junior and Senior Residents of Anaesthesia working in Medical Colleges in Himachal Pradesh for responses using online modes like e-mail and social media platforms like WhatsApp groups, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn till the 100 responses were collected. 

Data Analysis

Data was collected and entered in Microsoft excel spread sheet, cleaned for errors and analysed with Epi Info V7 Software with appropriate statistical test in terms of frequencies and percentage. 

The primary objective of this study was to gauge the understanding regarding essential anaesthesia equipment, like anaesthesia machines, ventilators and monitoring devices and their proper usage among the Residents of Anaesthesia in Himachal Pradesh. A total of 100 participants took part in the study.

In the present study 27 participants had very good knowledge (16-20 marks) towards essential anaesthesia equipment, 36 had good knowledge (12-15 marks), 19 had fair knowledge (8-11 marks) and 18 having poor knowledge (<8 marks).

Table 1: Knowledge regarding essential anaesthesia equipment among study participants

Table 2: Knowledge scores towards essential anaesthesia equipment among study participants

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the proficiency of Resident Anaesthetists in Himachal Pradesh in managing essential anaesthesia equipment, including anaesthesia machines, ventilators and monitoring devices, as well as their understanding of the proper usage of these critical components in the anaesthesia delivery system.

A significant proportion of participants demonstrated a good understanding of anaesthesia machines. They recognized the primary function of these machines in surgical procedures, the components of a standard anaesthesia machine and the importance of pre-use checks to ensure proper functioning. However, there is room for improvement in comprehending the anaesthesia vaporizer's role and the necessity of checking safety features and responding to common issues or alarms promptly. Furthermore, knowledge regarding the calibration and maintenance procedures of anaesthesia machines could be enhanced [3-6].

The participants exhibited a commendable grasp of mechanical ventilation, understanding its necessity and goals during general anaesthesia. They could differentiate between controlled and assisted ventilation modes and recognized the vital parameters to monitor while setting up a mechanical ventilator. However, further education may be beneficial in explaining the significance of tidal volume, respiratory rate and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in ventilation. While they demonstrated an understanding of safety measures to prevent complications during mechanical ventilation, there's room for improvement in troubleshooting common ventilator-related issues [2-5].

Residents displayed good knowledge of essential monitoring devices used during anaesthesia and their functions. They recognized the importance of continuous monitoring of vital signs during surgery and understood the significance of capnography, depth of anaesthesia monitoring and pulse oximetry. Knowledge of normal vital sign ranges and when interventions should be initiated was also commendable. However, further education may be beneficial in improving responses to alarm notifications from monitoring devices to ensure patient safety [3-6].

These findings are consistent with similar studies conducted in various regions, highlighting varying levels of knowledge among anaesthesia practitioners. It underscores the importance of ongoing education and training programs for Resident Anaesthetists to maintain and enhance their proficiency in managing anaesthesia equipment.

In conclusion, while a significant proportion of Resident Anaesthetists in Himachal Pradesh demonstrated good knowledge in various aspects of anaesthesia equipment management, there are specific areas where further training and education are warranted. These findings emphasize the need for regular anaesthesia equipment training programs to enhance the proficiency of Resident Anaesthetists, ultimately contributing to improved patient safety and the quality of healthcare in the region.

1. Stoelting, R.K. and S.C. Hillier. “Anaesthesia equipment and monitoring.” Stoelting's Anaesthesia and Co-Existing Disease, 7th ed., Elsevier, 2020, pp. 595–629.

2. Dorsch, J.A. and S.E. Dorsch. Understanding anaesthesia equipment. 6th ed., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2018.

3. Eichhorn, J. H. “Monitoring and anaesthesia workstation.” A Practice of Anaesthesia for Infants and Children, 6th ed., Elsevier, 2017, pp. 204–223.

4. Miller, R.D. et al. Miller’s anaesthesia. 9th ed., Elsevier, 2019.

5. Roshana, S. et al. “Anaesthesia equipment knowledge and practice: a survey among anaesthetists.” Anaesthesia: Essays and Researches, vol. 12, no. 4, 2018, pp. 835–840.

6. Bhanji, F. et al. “Awareness about biomedical waste management and knowledge of anaesthesia equipment among anaesthetists.” Anaesthesia: Essays and Researches, vol. 12, no. 1, 2018, pp. 245–249.