Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Chinese Medical Staff for Common Resident Emergencies in Elder Care Facilities: A Structural Equation Model-Based Survey

<b>Aims/Background</b> Increasing population longevity poses challenges to health care for the elderly. Facility-based care is a primary approach to elder care, and medical staff in these settings must be skilled in managing emergencies, as the elderly are more likely to experience emergencies than those living in the community. To aid in developing first aid training, procedures, and regulations for medical staff in elder care facilities, we evaluated the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) levels concerning commonly reported emergencies, as well as the correlations between these factors. <b>Methods</b> The questionnaires were distributed among 1493 doctors and nurses within 258 residential facilities in Shanghai between 1 May 2023 and 31 October 2023. Of the 725 valid questionnaires, we obtained socio-demographic and KAP-related data. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to determine associations between KAP elements. <b>Results</b> Chinese medical staff in elder care facilities had relatively suboptimal knowledge regarding first aid for common resident emergencies, with only 41.7% rated as good. Their levels of attitude and practice were optimistic. The proportion of medical staff demonstrating a positive attitude and appropriate practice in first aid was 79.31% and 68.00%, respectively. Age, gender, educational level, experience with witnessing and dealing with emergencies were identified as factors influencing knowledge, attitude, and practice. Structural equation modeling revealed that attitude and knowledge could directly or indirectly affect management approaches for common elderly emergencies, with a correlation coefficient of 0.11 between knowledge and attitude and 0.66 between attitude and practice. The "first aid for nine preventions" and "cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation" substantially influenced knowledge acquisition, with correlation coefficients of 0.66 and 0.48, respectively. "Attitude toward emergency management" had a significant impact on the attitude of the medical staff, with correlation coefficients of 0.90. <b>Conclusion</b> Knowledge, attitude, and practice are interconnected, with knowledge indirectly influencing behavior by shaping attitude. The medical staff in elder care facilities in Shanghai had a limited understanding of first aid for common resident emergencies. Targeted training and education are urgently required to enhance their knowledge and skills in managing common emergencies among elderly patients, while fostering a strong sense of responsibility. Such initiatives can ensure prompt and appropriate first aid actions, boosting their confidence and promoting a positive and harmonious environment for medical staff and elderly residents.