Practice and challenges related to regional anesthesia in Amhara regional hospitals, Northwest-Ethiopia: a web-based survey study.

Background: Regional anesthesia (RA) can improve patient outcomes and reduce perioperative complications including deaths. Despite its benefits, RA is less utilised in low-resource settings. The purpose of this study was to assess practice and challenges related to RA in Amhara Regional Hospitals, Northwest-Ethiopia.

Methods: A web- based survey was distributed among 360 anesthetists working in Amhara Regional Hospitals, Northwest-Ethiopia from November 15 - January 30, 2023. An English, semi-structure, self-administered questionnaire was disseminated by email and telegram following ethical clearance. The survey included questions about the use of RA, socio-demographic characteristics of anesthetist, types of practiced regional blocks, and barriers to perform RA. All volunteer respondents who filled online questionnaire during study period were included. The data were coded and analyzed using statistical package for social Sciences (SPSS) software-version 20. Both inferential and descriptive statistics were used to describe the results.

Results: The overall response rate was 63.3% (223 out of 360 completed surveys). A total of 132 respondents (36.7%) did not provide a response, and 5 respondents (1.4%) submitted incomplete) surveys. The most frequently self-reported barriers to performing peripheral nerve blocks were a lack of equipment (regional procedure kit including block needle, ultrasound, nerve stimulator, or epidural set) 185 (82.9%), lack of knowledge 171(76.7%), lack of practical skills 112 (50.2%), and lack of drugs/medication 50 (22.4%).

Conclusions: The principal findings indicate that all respondents perform spinal anaesthesia, while the practice of peripheral RA varies. Reported barriers to performing RA are related to knowledge and training, as well as a lack of equipment (there aren't enough regional procedure kits available that include an epidural set, block needle, nerve stimulator, and ultrasound). A more stringent approach with specific requirements, distinguishing between neuraxial and peripheral blocks, enhance training opportunities for peripheral nerve blocks are required in Ethiopia.