ESPE Abstracts

Background: Diabetic ketoacidosis is a common complication of Type 1 diabetes Mellitus (T1DM). Unfortunately, medical errors are not uncommon during management of DKA leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Junior doctors/residents are usually the clinicians who initiate the management of DKA. There are many studies conducted to assess the knowledge of junior doctors, residents, and medical students in management of DKA in many countries including Bahrain, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. To our knowledge this area was not studied among Omani pediatric residents before.

Objectives: The aims are to assess the knowledge and confidence of Omani pediatric residents in management of diabetic ketoacidosis and compare the findings with the results of previous studies from GCC countries to find out if there is a need to intervene in order to boost the knowledge and confidence of our residents.

Methods: a across sectional study include pediatric residents enrolled in Oman medical specialty board, from year one to year four of paediatric residency program in 2021. Data collected by using an online survey.

Results: 69 residents response to the survey (15M:54F), their levels were R1 (34.7%), R2 (24.6%), R3 (13.2%) and R4 (17.4%). Only 7 residents (10%) have not worked in paediatric emergency yet. Initial self-assessment and rating indicated fair level of knowledge among 30.4%, good knowledge in 56.5% and very good among 10.1%. Their responses as tabulated. 88.4% of residents preferred to have more educational sessions about management of paediatric DKA. No significant statistical difference between the answers of different trainees' levels. Their confidence was rated as "very confident" by (4.3%), "confident" (37.7%), "fair" (49.3%) and "no-confidence" by (7.3%). Overall responses were better compared to the previously published studies from Bahrain and Iraq.

Conclusion: There are still some gaps in knowledge to be bridged about management of paediatric DKA. Continuous educational activities are desired. Therefore more sessions about DKA management to be scheduled and perhaps apply simulation training to boost their confidence.