PERSPECTIVE OF PRE-CLINICAL MEDICAL STUDENTS ABOUT INTENSIVIST AND INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (ICU) IN A PRIVATE UNIVERSITY IN MALAYSIA

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to assess second-year medical students’ knowledge about Intensivist and ICU (Intensive Care Unit). Methods: Cross sectional study, conducted as an internal audit with permission by Deanery. 82 second year medical students were interviewed. Questionnaire was validated using Cronbach’s alpha. Prior written informed consent was taken from all participants. Data was analyzed using SPSSV22.0. Results: Second year medical students lack knowledge about who an intensivist is 58(70.7%). Majority were aware that ICU s are structured differently 69(84.1%), and equipped with special monitoring and management techniques, 74 (90.2%). The study showed that around half 43 (52.4%) thought that any critically ill or collapsed patient should be shifted to ICU. At the same note 33(40.2%) were unaware about the existence of ICU admission criteria. The results of the students’ knowledge of outcome and prognosis of ICU patients showed that majority were aware that admission to ICU does not guarantee survival and quality of life 62(75.6%) and prolonged stay in ICU may have negative impact 43(52.4%). Conclusion: This study shows that second year medical students lack knowledge about the Intensivist. They wrongly assume that all critically ill patients need ICU care. It’s high time to increase the awareness of this specialty as career option especially among medical students as the demand of this specialty is on the rise, more so in the COVID-19 pandemic. We suggest further studies to create awareness about Intensivist and ICUs during and post COVID-19 pandemic among general population and medical fraternity.