Knowledge of Local Anesthetic Toxicity Among Healthcare Workers in Surgical Departments: A Hospital‐Based, Cross‐Sectional Study in Vietnam

ABSTRACT Background and Aims Local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) is a rare but potentially life‐threatening complication associated with the use of local anesthetics. Prompt recognition and effective management are critical to preventing severe outcomes. However, studies have shown that healthcare workers' knowledge regarding LAST remains limited, especially in surgical settings where local anesthetics are frequently used. This study is to assess the current state and associated factors of knowledge regarding LAST among healthcare workers in the surgical departments of a hospital under the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted from April 2024 to May 2025, involving 260 healthcare workers across 11 clinical departments. Data were collected using a structured, self‐administered questionnaire developed based on national guidelines for LAST diagnosis and management. Results Nearly half of the participants (48.8%, 127/260) reported having prescribed or administered local anesthetics. Among those with direct experience using local anesthetics, lidocaine was the most commonly used agent (88.2%, 112/127). The majority of participants (81.9%, 213/260) correctly recognized that local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) may occur even when local anesthetics are administered within recommended dosage ranges. However, only 22.3% (58/260) perceived themselves as knowledgeable about LAST. Regarding lipid emulsion therapy, 33.8% (88/260) reported having heard of 20% lipid emulsion therapy, whereas 43.9% (114/260) had never heard of this intervention. The most frequently identified early signs of LAST were tachycardia (64.6%, 168/260) and hypertension (34.2%, 89/260). Conclusion Healthcare workers in surgical departments demonstrated insufficient knowledge regarding local anesthetic toxicity, particularly in recognizing early symptoms and understanding the use of lipid emulsion therapy as a treatment strategy. Targeted training programs are warranted to enhance competency in LAST management and improve patient safety.