The Knowledge, Perception, and Attitude of Healthcare Workers Toward Nebulized Furosemide Therapy in The West Bank, Palestine. A Cross-Sectional Study رسالة ماجستير

Abstract

Introduction: This study investigates the knowledge, perception, and attitude of Healthcare Workers (HCWs) about nebulized furosemide therapy in the West Bank, Palestine, as a new option for the treatment of Chronic Lung Disease (CLD). When nebulized, a diuretic, furosemide has been suggested as a therapeutic agent in CLD patients. It can reduce pulmonary congestion, enhance mucociliary clearance, and reduce airway edema. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, and a non-probability convenience sampling method was adopted to recruit 357 HCWs, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and professionals from other clinical sectors from different locations across the West Bank. Data collection was done using a self-reported questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised 14 quiz type questions assessing knowledge and 13 items/statements to assess attitudes and perceptions on a 5-point Likert scale. Results: The results showed that among the majority of HCWs (73.7%) who had heard of nebulized furosemide, only 36.4% had critically assessed and displayed therapeutic knowledge about it. The mean knowledge score was 11.63 (out of 18) and 63.6% of the subjects were categorized as non knowledgeable. HCWs expressed positive views attitudinally but mostly reported neutral responses suggesting that more education is warranted. Younger professionals and those in specialized roles showed better understanding than older professionals and those involved in multiple roles. Conclusion: This study reflects the key role of awareness levels among the HCWs in the West Bank and may highlight the need for the implementation of educational intervention programs to help them better understand the importance of nebulized administration of furosemide in the management of patients with respiratory distress, focusing on its clinical practice integration that could lead to better patient prognostic perspectives.