# Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among Thoracic Healthcare Professionals Toward Postoperative Pulmonary Embolism

## TL;DR

This study evaluates how well thoracic healthcare professionals understand and handle postoperative pulmonary embolism, finding they have good knowledge and positive attitudes but need more updated training.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel assessment of KAP (Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices) specific to postoperative pulmonary embolism among thoracic healthcare professionals.

## Key findings

- Thoracic healthcare professionals showed strong awareness of PPE definitions and risk factors but only 24.77% correctly identified its clinical triad.
- Positive correlations were found between knowledge and attitudes (r = 0.218) and between attitudes and practices (r = 0.234).
- Path analysis revealed that knowledge significantly influences attitudes, and attitudes influence practices.

## Abstract

Background: Postoperative pulmonary embolism (PPE) is a critical complication that can significantly affect patient outcomes. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of thoracic healthcare professionals toward PPE. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2022. Results: A total of 222 thoracic healthcare professionals participated in the study; the majority were aged 30–40 years (40.54%) and had over 10 years of work experience (47.75%). Participants completed a self-designed questionnaire assessing demographic data and KAP scores: knowledge (0–11), attitudes (11–55), and practices (9–45). The main measures included the mean scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices, along with correlation analyses and path analysis to assess relationships among the KAP components. Mean scores were 9.03 ± 1.13 for knowledge, 50.09 ± 4.23 for attitudes, and 35.78 ± 7.85 for practices. Participants showed strong awareness of PPE definitions and risk factors, but only 24.77% correctly identified its classic clinical triad. Attitudinally, while most expressed a willingness to engage in PPE training and risk assessment, 55.41% remained cautious about anticoagulation due to bleeding risks. In practice, although 72.52% consistently supported postoperative mobilization, only 30.63% frequently acquired updated PPE knowledge. Significant positive correlations were found between knowledge and attitudes (r = 0.218, p < 0.001) and between attitudes and practices (r = 0.234, p < 0.001). Path analysis showed that knowledge positively influenced attitudes (path coefficient 0.748, p = 0.002), and attitudes positively influenced practices (path coefficient 0.374, p = 0.003). Conclusions: Thoracic healthcare professionals exhibited adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and proactive practices regarding PPE, indicating a strong foundation for enhancing postoperative care.