Anatomical Knowledge and Accurate Placement of Chest Drains by Medical Officers in Secondary Hospitals in Plateau State

Intercostal chest drain insertion is a life-saving procedure performed for haemothorax, pneumothorax, and pleural empyema, requiring precise anatomical knowledge of the safe triangle, intercostal neurovascular bundle position, and pleural landmarks. Despite the high volume of chest trauma managed in Plateau State secondary hospitals, particularly in the wake of recurring civil unrest, the anatomical competence of medical officers performing chest drain insertion has not been formally evaluated. This study aims to assess anatomical knowledge relevant to chest drain placement among medical officers at secondary health facilities in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. A validated knowledge questionnaire and simulation-based skills assessment using a thoracocentesis model will be employed. Accuracy of rib space identification, safe triangle demarcation, and insertion angle will be evaluated. Performance will be correlated with medical school graduation year, postgraduate training, and frequency of chest drain insertion in practice. The study anticipates identifying specific anatomical misunderstandings that contribute to procedural complications and providing evidence to support the integration of applied chest anatomy modules into medical officer induction programmes in Plateau State hospitals.

Keywords: chest drain, intercostal anatomy, safe triangle, medical officers, Plateau State