Knowledge, perceptions and attitudes of pediatric residents and pediatricians in Colombia about intestinal failure

Objective: Intestinal failure is a high-cost pathology with a chronic course in which it is crucial to make an early diagnosis and timely referral to specialized centers in order to improve survival and reduce morbidity and mortality. The present study evaluated knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about this diagnosis in health personnel who may be involved in the initial care of these children. Methods: This is a descriptive observational, cross-sectional, survey-type study with a non-probabilistic snowball sampling that took pediatrics residents and pediatricians in Colombia as the study population. The information was collected between July 2023 and March 2024. Results: There are shortcomings regarding the knowledge, diagnosis, management and complications of pediatric intestinal failure with a slightly higher proportion of correct concepts in pediatric residents. In both groups, the attitudes they take when facing a patient with this diagnosis are similar and in addition, both perceive that this pathology has an impact at the institutional, local and regional level. Conclusions: The present study shows that, despite being nationally recognized by health professionals, intestinal failure requires effective strategies to train pediatricians and pediatric residents. It is essential that they understand this pathology, the challenges involved in its management, and the importance of timely referral to multidisciplinary care centers to improve the prognosis and quality of life of both patients and their families.