Perception of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery among healthcare professionals in South Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Aim: To understand the level of perception & attitude of health care professionals towards Plastic Surgery & its influence on referral rate.

Material: A questionnaire based survey was performed in Bahawal Victoria Hospital (tertiary care hospital) of South Punjab region of Pakistan in 2021. This survey was conducted among interns and residents of all specialties excluding dermatology, orthopaedic surgery and plastic surgery. Questionnaire was based on two parts, one for evaluation of general perception regarding the specialty and second was to evaluate their knowledge regarding different medical conditions dealt by the respective fields. Data was analyzed for each question.

Results: Total of 150 junior doctors participated in this analysis. Only 44% had appropriate understanding of this specialty. 36% had unrealistic expectations of the outcomes.75% of them had good understanding of cosmetic and reconstructive aspects of this specialty. Regarding specific ailments, there was a confusion among the participants as to whom will be a preferred treating specialist.

Conclusion: This confusion existed where Plastic Surgery overlaps with other modalities such as limb surgeries, head and neck tumors and trauma, nerve injuries, congenital defects and urogenital conditions.