Radiation protection practice of medical doctors of surgical and interventional specialties in Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Alshumrani
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Radiation Protection ◽  
Orthopedic Surgery ◽  
Interventional Cardiology ◽  
Medical Doctors ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Ministry Of Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Alara Principle ◽  
Dose Monitoring

This study aimed to evaluate the radiation protection practices of medical doctors of surgical and interventional specialties in different healthcare sectors of Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study of medical doctors in Saudi Arabia who utilize radiation to perform interventional procedures and surgical operations was conducted. Data were gathered about the basic demographic background of the respondents, their daily application of radiation protection, and variations among different specialties and institutions regarding radiation protection practices. A total of 182 responses were received from different specialties, including interventional radiology (22%), interventional cardiology (16.5%), orthopedic surgery (14.8%), urology (14.3%), and diagnostic radiology (12.1%). Responses were received from different healthcare sectors, including the Ministry of Health (47%), private sector (26%), and university hospitals (18%). Only 59% of the respondents reported applying the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principle of radiation protection. The specialties with the highest reported lack of the ALARA principle application were orthopedic surgery (89%), urology (69%) and endoscopy (57%). The highest reported non-adherence to the ALARA principle was in the Ministry of Defense hospitals (50%), private hospitals (44%) and Ministry of Health hospitals (43%). The use of a personal dosimeter was reported by 58% of the respondents and only 42% reported having training in radiation protection. The respondents reported a lack of regular checking of x-ray machines (28%) and protection aprons (40%), non-availability of radiation protection guidelines (48%), and a lack of policies for radiation dose monitoring (27%) in their institutions. It was concluded that the compliance with radiation protection practices was variable and generally poor among different specialties and healthcare sectors in Saudi Arabia. Similar poor practices were reported in the international literature of different countries. The concerned authorities worldwide are advised to take further actions in this regard.

Self-Assessment of Competence in Palliative Care of Medical Doctors Working in Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
pp. 104990912096356
Author(s):  
Nuha Mohammed Malibari ◽  
Michael Connolly ◽  
Abdulaziz S. Aljohani
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Pulmonary Medicine ◽  
Medical Doctors ◽  
Internal Reliability ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Attitude And Practice ◽  
Validated Questionnaire ◽  
Knowledge Attitude And Practice

Background: The provision of palliative care (PC) for individuals with a life-threatening condition is fundamental to the role of the physician, in order to improve quality of life; however, little research has assessed the competence of the physicians in PC in Saudi Arabia. Aim: To conduct a baseline assessment of self-assessed palliative care competences among medical physicians in Saudi Arabia. Design: A survey-based cross-sectional study was employed using a specifically designed questionnaire. Setting: The participants in the study were selected from 6 specialist medical departments (Family medicine, cardiology, internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, neurology and oncology) in 4 Saudi Arabian Hospitals, based on inclusion criteria. Results: The study was conducted using a validated questionnaire used in Ireland to evaluate the competence skills of physicians for the provision of palliative care. All categories showed internal reliability and normal distribution of the data. However, the score of the knowledge, attitude and practice among the physicians was higher than the expected. The clinical specialty of the physicians demonstrated greater influence on knowledge, attitude and practice related to the palliative care compared to medical education. This highlighted the importance of training in palliative care to the medical doctors working in a range of specialist area. Conclusion: The study provides baseline data on the level of competence of palliative care of physicians in Saudi Arabia. This study can be used as an assessment tool to further evaluate the effectiveness of palliative care in other areas as primary and secondary care settings

scholarly journals The compliance with radiation protection and knowledge about radiation exposure among the orthopedic operating room personnel in Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 178-186
Author(s):  
Abdulrahman H. Almalki ◽  
Mohammad A. Almalki ◽  
Rasheed S. Alballa ◽  
Ibrahim S. Alshaygy ◽  
Hamza M. Alrabai
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Radiation Exposure ◽  
Operating Room ◽  
Radiation Protection ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Operating Room Personnel ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Inadequate Knowledge ◽  
Radiology Technicians

Objectives: There is a rapid advancement in surgical techniques requiring real-time visualization and intraoperative X-ray utilization, leading to a higher radiation exposure among operating room (OR) staff. Taking preventive measures and reducing the unnecessary radiation exposure for the patient and the OR staff is essential. The study aimed to assess the compliance with using radiation protection equipment, as well as assessing the level of knowledge about radiation exposure among the orthopedic OR staff. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted in Saudi Arabia. A 19-Item questionnaire that was developed and validated by Jentzsch et al. was sent to the emails of all the registered members of the Saudi Orthopedic Association, orthopedic physicians, OR nurses, and radiology technicians were included in the study. A Correlation procedure was performed to determine the relationship between knowledge and compliance scores. Results: We recruited 242 orthopedic OR personnel, 110 (45.5%) showed good knowledge and 120 (49.5%) showed good compliance. Lead apron was the most commonly used equipment, lead goggles use was the least. Females, radiology technicians, and sports and/or arthroplasty surgeons showed better compliance scores. Conclusion: The study reveals inadequate knowledge and compliance among OR staff regarding radiation protection. Therefore, we recommend providing training programs to minimize radiation hazards.

scholarly journals Prevalence and behavioral risk factors for STIs/HIV among attendees of the Ministry of Health hospitals in Saudi Arabia

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (04) ◽  
pp. 402-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanaa M. Filemban ◽  
Yasser A. Yasein ◽  
Magdy H. H. Abdalla ◽  
Raafat Al-Hakeem ◽  
Jaffar A. Al-Tawfiq ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Economic Problem ◽  
Behavioral Risk Factors ◽  
Behavioral Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Ministry Of Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Infected People

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are a major public health, social, and economic problem leading to morbidity, mortality, and stigma. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of STIs, investigate behavioral risk factors and the relationship between the STIs/HIV and demographic factors. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between 2013 and 2014 among attendees of the Ministry of Health hospitals. Results: The total number of participants was 3,994 (2,441 males and 1,553 females), with a mean age of 31.95 ± 9.45 years (range 12 to 77 years). The prevalence of STIs and HIV was 6.2% and 0.05% respectively. The mean age for infected people with STIs was 29.42 ± 7.51, vs. 32.12 ± 9.55 for non infected (p < 0.05). There was no diffference between infected and non infected people regarding gender, occupation and marital status. The prevalence of STIs was more commonly reported among non-Saudi (10.9%). Drug use (OR = 4.74; 95%; CI: 3.47–6.48), intravenous drug use (OR = 4.51; 95% CI: 1.45–13.12), illegal sex (OR = 10.7; 95% CI: 7.62–13.32), sex for money (OR = 6.36; 95% CI: 4.52–8.93), sex for pleasure (OR=9.76; 95% CI: 7.29–13.07) were significantly associated with STIs. Conclusion: The prevalence of STIs including HIV in Saudi Arabia is low compared to other countries in the region and globally.

scholarly journals The Prevalence of and Factors Associated with Neck, Shoulder, and Low-Back Pains among Medical Students at University Hospitals in Central Saudi Arabia

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulrahman D. Algarni ◽  
Yazeed Al-Saran ◽  
Ahlam Al-Moawi ◽  
Abdullah Bin Dous ◽  
Abdulaziz Al-Ahaideb ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Medical Students ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Body Site ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychosomatic Symptoms ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
The Past ◽  
History Of

Aim. The study aim was to determine the prevalence of neck, shoulder, and low-back pains and to explore the factors associated with musculoskeletal pain (MSP) among medical students at university hospitals in central Saudi Arabia. Method. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a government institution using an online self-administered, modified version of the Standardised Nordic Questionnaire in the English language. Results. A total of 469 students responded to our survey. The prevalence of MSP in at least one body site at any time, in the past week, and in the past year was 85.3%, 54.4%, and 81.9%, respectively. Factors significantly associated with MSP in at least one body site at any time were being in the clinical year (P=0.032), history of trauma (P = 0.036), history of depressive symptoms (P<0.001), and history of psychosomatic symptoms (P<0.001). On multivariable regression analysis, factors associated with MSP were history of trauma (P=0.016) and depressive (P=0.002) or psychosomatic symptoms (P=0.004). Conclusion. MSP among Saudi medical students is high, particularly among those in the clinical years and those with history of trauma and with depressive or psychosomatic symptoms. Medical institutions should be aware of this serious health issue and preventive measures are warranted.

National Survey of Drug Information Centers practice: Pharmacoeconomic System at Ministry of Health Hospitals in Saudi Arabia

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 503-507
Author(s):  
Yousef Ahmed Alomi ◽  
Saeed Jamaan Alghamdi ◽  
Radi Abdullah Alattyh
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
National Survey ◽  
Drug Information ◽  
Drug Evaluation ◽  
Information Services ◽  
Drug Information Services ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Ministry Of Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Policy And Procedure

Objective: To explore the National Survey of Drug Information Centers practice in Saudi Arabia: PharmacoEconomic System at Ministry of Health Hospitals. Methods: It is a cross-sectional four months national survey of Drug Information Services at MOH. It contained ten domains with 181 questions designed by the authors. It was derived from Internal Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), American Society of Health-System Pharmacists best practice guidelines. This survey was distributed to forty hospital pharmacies that run drug information services. In this study, the domain of Pharmacoeconomics System was explored and analyzed. It consisted of eight questions about the written policy and procedure and application methods for the PharmacoEconomic system in the drug information centers. All analysis was done through survey monkey system. Results: The survey was distributed to forty-five of hospitals, the response rate, was 40 (88.88%) hospitals. Of those; The Written policy and procedure of PharmacoEconomic did not exist in 26 (65%) hospitals. The definition types of PharmacoEconomic do not exist in 23 (57.5%) hospitals. Evaluation Processes of PharmacoEconomic Studies did not exist in 22 (55%) hospitals. The intensive analysis performed for all significant potential cost of the medications did not exist in 22(55%) hospitals. The evidence for using reported PharmacoEconomic data to improve medication use process and reduce cost rate, not found in 22 (55%) hospitals. Moreover, the Evidence of involvement of Drug Evaluation Processes not existed in 20 (50%) hospitals. Conclusion: the pharmacoeconomics system was week implementations of drug information centers practice. Revision of pharmacy strategic plan with pharmacoeconomics applications is required to improve the system at MOH hospital in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

scholarly journals Ionizing radiation: the silent enemy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robinson Esteves Pires ◽  
Igor Guedes Nogueira Reis ◽  
Ângelo Ribeiro Vaz de Faria ◽  
Vincenzo Giordano ◽  
Pedro José Labronici ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Dose ◽  
Ionizing Radiation ◽  
Radiation Protection ◽  
Orthopedic Surgery ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Orthopedic Surgeons ◽  
Entrance Dose ◽  
Surgery Resident ◽  
Basic Radiation

Abstract Background This study aims to assessment the Brazilian orthopedic surgeon’s knowledge about ionizing radiation and its implications over the health of the surgical team and the patients. Methods A Cross-sectional study was performed using a questionnaire of fifteen questions about theoretical and practical concepts regarding ionizing radiation, during the 23 rd Brazilian Orthopaedic Trauma Association Annual meeting. The participant needed to be an orthopedic surgeon or an orthopedic surgery resident in a Brazilian institution, in order to be included in the study. The questionnaire addressed the specialty within orthopedic surgery, issues such as radiation protection use and safety concepts, participants’ children gender and exposition to radiation. Results 258 questionnaires were fully answered. Only 5.8% of the participants use the three basic radiation protection equipment (apron, thyroid shield, and radiation protection glasses); 47.3% use the dosimeter; 2.7% hit the acceptable annual maximum radiation dose; 10.5% knew the gestation period of greater risk to the fetus and 5.8%, the acceptable maximum radiation dose during pregnancy; 58.5% got right that the hands, the eyes and the thyroid are the most exposed and at greater risk of radiation related lesions; 25.2% knew that the distance of 3 meters or more from the radiation-emitting tube is safe; 44.2% knew the safest positioning of the radiation-emitting tube; 25.2% got right that smaller tubes emit greater entrance dose to magnify the image and, therefore, emit more radiation; and 55.4% knew that the surgery team receives more scattered radiation in surgical procedures performed in obese patients. Conclusion It is needed an immediate educational overall plan to orthopedic surgeons and orthopedic surgery residents, so that surgical staff and patients may be less exposed and, therefore, less vulnerable to harmful effects of ionizing radiation.

scholarly journals Attitudes toward Social Media among Practicing Dentists and Dental Students in Clinical Years in Saudi Arabia

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 143-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khalid Aboalshamat ◽  
Sharifah Alkiyadi ◽  
Sarah Alsaleh ◽  
Rana Reda ◽  
Sharifa Alkhaldi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Dental Students ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Education Material ◽  
Institutional Review ◽  
The Social ◽  
Use Of Social Media

Background:Recently, social media use has been rising among dental students and practitioners.Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the usage, attitudes, and professionalism on social media among dental students and dentists in Saudi Arabia.Methods:This cross-sectional study investigated 779 dental students, interns, and dentists recruited from university hospitals and private clinics in three major cities (Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam), representing the eastern, central, and western regions of Saudi Arabia. Validated questionnaires were distributed to the participants asking about the use of social media for general purposes and professional purposes, attitudes on the social media, professionalism on social media, and the use of social media for marketing purposes. This study was ethically reviewed and approved by the Faculty of Dentistry Institutional Review Board, Umm Al-Qura University with application number (102-18).Results:Among the participants, the social media platforms most frequently used on a weekly basis are WhatsApp (m = 6.13 days/week, SD = 2.10), Snapchat (m = 5.33, SD = 2.65), and Instagram (m = 4.63, SD = 2.84). LinkedIn was the least frequently used platform. The most common professional uses were to watch clinical procedures (80.49%), find new information (79.59%), learn from peers (61.1%), and communicate with patients (5.76%). Only 47.75% followed their university or workplace professionalism guidelines, and 31.74% do not have any professionalism guidelines for using social media. There were 28.75% of participants who had considered posting information/photos about a patient without the patient’s permission, those who had criticized a dental colleague numbered 49.04%, and 59.69% had criticized a dental organization. However, only a few items had statistically significant differences between dental students and dentists.Conclusion:More stringent guidelines regarding proper conduct online should be implemented and included in the dental continuous education material.

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