Knowledge, attitude, and practice of orthopedic, vascular surgery, and anesthesiology doctors regarding postoperative deep vein thrombosis prevention in surgical patients

Orthopedic and vascular surgeries carry a high risk of postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of orthopedists, vascular surgeons, and anesthesiologists regarding postoperative DVT prevention in surgical patients. The study was performed at two hospitals in China from November 22 to December 13, 2023. Demographic information and KAP data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Among 294 doctors, 187 (63.61%) were male, and 248 (84.35%) had prior experience in orthopedic surgeries. Mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 9.94 ± 1.91, 37.12 ± 2.94, and 23.02 ± 3.64, respectively. Knowledge was correlated to attitude (r = 0.182, P = 0.002), knowledge to practice (r = 0.234, P < 0.001), and attitude to practice (r = 0.281, P < 0.001). Attitude score (OR = 1.249, 95% CI: [1.127-1.385], P < 0.001) and anesthesiology work (OR = 0.309, 95% CI: [0.158-0.603], P = 0.001) were independently associated with proactive practice. Structural equation modeling confirmed direct impacts of knowledge on attitude (β = 0.894, P < 0.001) and practice (β = 1.786, P < 0.001) and of attitude on practice (β = 0.338, P = 0.017). In conclusion, orthopedists, vascular surgeons, and anesthesiologists showed good knowledge, attitude, and practice toward DVT prevention in surgical patients in two hospitals in China.