A Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Study on Clinical Toxicology among Internees and Registered Medical Practitioners at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

The present KAP study aimed to ascertain the knowledge, attitudes, and practices on clinical toxicology among
internees and medical doctors at ACSR Govt. Medical College & Hospital, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India, in the
light of implementing new National Medical Commission curriculum (Graduate Medical Regulations 2019). The
study also aimed at understanding the knowledge and training gaps pertaining to clinical toxicology in the target
population and thereby propose interventions for proper delivery of toxicology curriculum.
A semi structured questionnaire was used to elicit information wherein 120 health care providers voluntarily
participated in the study. The results detected significant deficits towards understanding concepts in clinical
toxicology and implementation of evidence-based approach in providing care. Our study identified the need to
stress on toxidrome based approach, use of evidence-based decontamination methods, the necessity to stabilise the patient
more than being enthusiastic in diagnosing the poisoning, increased use of multidose activated charcoal as a primary antidote,
use of poison control centre helpline, material safety data sheet & toxicology databases when in doubt, employing holistic care
models, providing education on social & preventive toxicology and role of screening in chronic paediatric poisonings.