Assessing the knowledge and practices of anesthesiologists in anesthesia machine maintenance, calibration, and cleaning.

Background: Anesthesia equipment plays a vital role in ensuring patient safety and effective management during surgeries and other medical procedures. However, the maintenance, calibration, and cleaning of these devices are often overlooked. As anesthesia machines become more complex, incorporating computerized systems and microprocessors, the challenges related to their upkeep have increased. Proper knowledge and training among anesthesiologists are essential to ensure the effective functioning and safety of these devices. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of anesthesiologists working in Karachi’s tertiary care institutions regarding the maintenance, calibration, and cleaning of anesthesia devices Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in four major tertiary care hospitals in Karachi: The Indus Hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital, Civil Hospital, and Liaquat National Hospital, from July to December 2022. A total of 119 anesthesiologists participated in the survey. A structured questionnaire was used, consisting of 24 questions divided into six sections: demographic information, general knowledge, maintenance, calibration, cleaning, and sterilization of anesthesia equipment, and general opinions on anesthesia equipment maintenance. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire designed to evaluate anesthesiologists' understanding of these critical procedures. Results: The study sample had a mean age of 33.31±5.51 years. A significant portion of participants, specifically 74.8%, 67.2%, and 56.3%, demonstrated inadequate knowledge regarding the maintenance, calibration, and cleaning of anesthesia equipment, respectively. These findings highlight a critical gap in knowledge across all aspects of equipment upkeep. Demographic factors such as age, gender, education level, and work experience did not show any statistically significant correlation with knowledge levels. Conclusion: The study reveals a concerning lack of knowledge among anesthesiologists in Karachi regarding the essential procedures for the maintenance, calibration, and cleaning of anesthesia devices. This knowledge gap could lead to adverse patient outcomes due to malfunctioning or improperly maintained equipment. These findings underscore the need for targeted educational interventions and training programs to improve anesthesiologists' proficiency in maintaining the safety and functionality of anesthesia equipment.