Knowledge of the high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assay among medical officers in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) assay is a crucial diagnostic test that is obligatory in the triage of patients presenting with chest pain. It is essential for medical officers to have adequate knowledge regarding the procedures for testing and the interpretation of test outcomes to deliver optimal healthcare for patients. It has been observed that medical officers are lacking in awareness regarding this testing method, resulting in a greater likelihood of errors in testing and interpretation. This study aims to evaluate the level of understanding among medical officers regarding the hs-cTn assay in relation to the most recent European Society of Cardiology guideline released in 2020. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a cross-sectional study at two government hospitals in Gampaha District in June 2022. A self-administered e-questionnaire was used to assess knowledge regarding hs-cTn. Knowledge was measured by calculating a cumulative score for the answers to a questionnaire and categorised into good or poor knowledge. A score less than 60% was categorized as poor and vice versa. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. RESULTS: Of the 227 medical officers, only 14.5% (n=33) had good knowledge of the analytical component while 41.9% (n=95) had good knowledge on the clinical component. A score ≥60% on the analytical component knowledge was significantly associated with designation being a senior registrar or consultant (p<0.001), postgraduate enrolment (p<0.001), participation in continuous professional development programmes (p<0.001), and employment in a teaching hospital (p=0.025), but not with age (p=0.066) or private practice (p=0.118). Clinical component knowledge score ≥60% was significantly associated with age between 25 and 35 years (p=0.006), designation being a consultant (p<0.001), postgraduate enrolment (p<0.001), participation in continuous professional development programs (p<0.001), and employment in a teaching hospital(p=0.001) but not with doing private practice (p=0.170). CONCLUSIONS: In Sri Lanka, medical officers’ general knowledge on the hs-cTn assay seems lacking. There is a need for continuous training to improve knowledge on hs-cTn testing among medical officers.