Knowledge and Attitudes of Resident Physicians Toward Crush Injury, Compartment Syndrome, and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of resident physicians regarding crush injury, skeletal muscle compartment syndrome, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), and to identify factors associated with knowledge level.
Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted among resident physicians working at a tertiary training and research hospital between July 1 and August 1, 2023. A total of 318 residents participated. A 30-item questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge and attitudes regarding crush injury/compartment syndrome and HBOT was administered face-to-face and, where necessary, online. Knowledge was assessed using 13 items, scored 1 point for each correct response and 0 for incorrect responses.
Results: Of the 318 participants, 161 (50.6%) were women and 157 (49.4%) were men; 9 worked in basic sciences, 140 in surgical sciences, and 169 in internal medicine. When asked about treatment options for crush injury/compartment syndrome, 83% of residents identified HBOT, ranking it third after fasciotomy and amputation. The median knowledge score was 8 of 13. No significant difference in knowledge scores was found between internal medicine and surgical residents. However, significantly higher scores were observed among residents with ≥7 years of professional experience, those who had referred patients before or after an earthquake, and those who had received prior HBOT training.
Conclusion: Resident physicians demonstrated moderate knowledge of crush injury, compartment syndrome, and HBOT, with identifiable knowledge gaps. Professional experience and prior HBOT training were associated with higher knowledge levels. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational programs on HBOT.