Conocimientos teóricos y habilidades prácticas autopercibidas en medicina de urgencia y emergencia de los médicos de Atención Primaria de Salud de Asturias

Abstract

Objective: To determine the training received by the physicians of Primary Health Care (APS) of Asturias and estimate their self-perceived level of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in 49 procedures Emergency Medicine procedures (MUE). Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a randomised and representative sample of 213 physicians (n) from the total of 851 APS physicians (N) of Asturias on MUE procedures using a structured questionnaire in two dimensions. Results: Training received in MUE is perceived as medium level (6 out of 10), general theoretical knowledge as intermediate level (5.9 out of 10), with significant differences according to the procedure studied (range 2 to 9 out of 10). General practical skills in MUE are also perceived as average level (mean of 5.5 out of 10). It is perceived to have a better level of theoretical knowledge than practical ability to face emergency situations. In Asturias the mean percentage of acquisition of competences in the procedures studied is low, (24.87% for theoretical knowledge and 21.93% for practical skills) and decreases with the years employed. Conclusions: Education in MUE of APS physicians in Asturias is heterogeneous, and is perceived as average level, with deficiencies in relevant procedures. Health administrations need to adequately and periodically evaluate this knowledge and skills in physicians to be able to guarantee the level of quality emergency healthcare.