A study of knowledge, attitude and practice of hospital consultants, resident doctors and private practitioners with regard to pre-hospital and emergency care in Lucknow

Background: Burden of death and disability resulting from lack of emergency medical system (EMS) and emergency care is very high in low and middle income countries (LMIC). Aim: To study the knowledge, attitudes and practices of pre-hospital care and emergency services among health care providers of Lucknow. Setting and Design: Cross-sectional survey, 200 residents, 104 hospital consultants and 108 private practitioners. Material and Methods: A close ended, self administered questionnaire based on 5-point Likert scale with 30 items of knowledge, attitude and practice of pre-hospital and emergency care. Results: Median scores of knowledge (26/50), attitude (41/50) and practices (27/50) showed less than adequate knowledge and practices. However, a positive attitude was seen in all the 3 group of respondents i.e. resident doctors, hospital consultants and private practitioners. Conclusion: Lucknow is the capital city of Indian largest state - Uttar Pradesh with over 100 years of established medical education. The results of the study in this town are applicable to most developed cities in India. Lack of adequate knowledge and practices in emergency medical system (EMS) at Lucknow represent a dismal situation and require continuing medical education in this area.