Paediatric Regional Anaesthesia Survey South Africa (PRASSA)

A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed via the South African Society of Anaesthesiologists (SASA) research database between April and May 2024. The survey was developed following a literature review and piloted among anesthetists of varying seniority, including pediatric anesthesia specialists. It comprised three sections: demographic and practice characteristics; attitudes towards PRA assessed using eight four-point Likert-scale statements; and knowledge assessed through ten true–false statements with an “unsure” option to reduce guessing. An a priori threshold of ≥6 correct responses (≥60%) was used to indicate adequate knowledge, selected pragmatically for descriptive comparison in the absence of a validated benchmark. Knowledge items were informed by international pediatric regional anesthesia guidelines. Additionally, perceived barriers and facilitators were assessed using a predefined select-all-that-apply list, with an optional free-text field for elaboration. Frequencies were reported for predefined items, while free-text responses were used descriptively and were not subjected to formal thematic analysis. Participation was voluntary and anonymous, with electronic informed consent required prior to survey completion. Data were collected using REDCap3 and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential methods. Only fully completed questionnaires were included in the final analysis. No imputation of missing data was performed. An overall attitude score was calculated, internal consistency assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, and factors associated with attitudes explored using regression modelling. Ethical approval was obtained from the Sefako Makgatho University Research Ethics Committee (SMUREC Reference number: SMUREC/M/139/2023:PG).