Educating healthcare workers in snakebite management: A study to determine the effectiveness of the snake bite life support workshop.

INTRODUCTION

Snakebite envenomation is a significant global health issue, with India bearing a substantial burden. Despite the development of guidelines, knowledge gaps and lack of training persist among healthcare workers (HCWs), contributing to high morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the Snake Bite Life Support (SBLS) workshop on HCWs' knowledge, practices, self-efficacy, and advocacy skills in snakebite management.

METHODS

A pre-post interventional study was conducted during the SBLS workshop at a tertiary care center in May 2024. HCWs' knowledge, practical skills, self-efficacy, and advocacy skills were assessed using standardized questionnaires and a modified General Self-Efficacy (GSE) scale, both before and after the workshop. Data were analyzed using SPSS v25.0, employing paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for comparison.

RESULTS

Forty-one HCWs completed the pre- and post-workshop assessments. Significant improvements were observed in knowledge, particularly in avoiding false positive 20-min whole blood clotting test (20WBCT) results (p = 0.020) and premedication for antivenom (p < 0.001). Participants reported a marked increase in self-efficacy across all GSE parameters and demonstrated enhanced advocacy intent in resource management, policy influence, and educational outreach. The workshop influenced practice changes, notably reducing the administration of antivenom in confirmed hump-nosed pit viper bites.

CONCLUSION

The SBLS workshop effectively enhanced HCWs' knowledge, management practices, self-efficacy, and advocacy intentions, emphasizing the need for integrating such training into healthcare education to drive systemic change in snakebite management and improve patient outcomes. Future studies should focus on long-term impacts and broader implementation.