ABSTRACT
Introduction: Leadership is increasingly recognized as a crucial competency in medicine, with physicians expected to provide leadership skills throughout their careers. This study explores the perceptions, attitudes, and interests of medical students and interns in Saudi Arabia regarding medical leadership. Medical graduates are expected to "provide leadership skills that enhance team functioning, the learning environment, and the healthcare delivery system", according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to July 2023, involving 519 medical students and interns in Saudi Arabia. An online survey covered demographic data, perceptions, attitudes, interests, and self-perceived leadership skills. A pilot study was conducted to ensure the questionnaire's validity and reliability. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26, employing descriptive statistics and inferential tests. Results: Most participants had a positive perception of leadership (38.3%), with higher scores associated with medical specialties as a career choice (p < 0.001). The majority expressed average interest in medical leadership (29.1%). Communication and organizational skills were highly self-rated leadership attributes. Barriers to leadership implementation included lack of interest (49.3%), inadequate training (45.1%), and time constraints (43.2%). Only 14.6% rated leadership education in medical school as "very good". Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of leadership in medical education. Integrating comprehensive and structured leadership programs into medical curricula, addressing barriers, and promoting awareness can foster future medical leaders. Continuous evaluation and adaptation are essential for ensuring the relevance and effectiveness of leadership training.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot disease (DFD) is a significant complication associated with diabetes, characterized by the potential for progressive amputation of specific foot segments or the entire lower limb in the absence of timely identification of infection and intervention. The aim of our research is to evaluate the degree of importance given to foot care by healthcare professionals who are responsible for treating individuals with diabetes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study utilized an online survey previously validated in Australia. The mean foot care prioritization score was used to identify the dummy variable for binary logistic regression analysis, which was used to identify predictors of foot care prioritization. RESULTS: A total of 222 participants were involved in this study. Assessing for the risk of developing foot complications, visually inspecting feet for wounds, and providing or recommending footwear to prevent foot complications were the most commonly reported practices, accounting for 80.60% (n = 178), 76.10% (n = 169), and 75.20% (n = 167), respectively. The most commonly referred patients to a specialist tertiary multi-disciplinary foot care team were patients with ulcers in patients with absent foot pulses, ulcers with ascending cellulitis, and diabetic ulceration, accounting for 73.50% (n = 163), 71.60% (n = 159), and 66.70% (n = 148), respectively. The mean foot care prioritization score for the study participants was 54.1 (standard deviation: 11.7) out of 78 (69.4%), which demonstrates a moderately high level of foot care prioritization. Binary logistic regression analysis identified that healthcare professionals who are aged 35-44 years, those who have 5-10 years of experience, those who work at private hospitals, those who have a higher number of practice clinics per week, and those who have to manage a higher number of patients with diabetes in each clinic were more likely to prioritize foot care in their practices (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study found that healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia place a moderate degree of emphasis on foot care. Healthcare professionals falling within the age range of 35-44 years, possessing 5-10 years of experience, employed at private hospitals, overseeing a greater number of practice clinics weekly, and managing a greater number of patients with diabetes per clinic exhibited a greater propensity to prioritize foot care within their respective practices. Policymakers should consider the integration of continuous glucose monitoring technologies, the establishment of standardized foot screening protocols, and the implementation of targeted educational programs for healthcare professionals.
ABSTRACT
Background: The knowledge, preventive behaviors, and risk perception of the COVID-19 pandemic among health care workers can affect virus transmission and control. As the primary individuals in contact with infected patients, health care workers risk infection. There are a few studies on the knowledge and self-practice prevention for COVID-19 among medical students. Objectives: This study evaluated the COVID-19-related knowledge, preventive behaviors, and risk perceptions among medical students and interns. Methods: This study used a quantitative cross-sectional evaluation of the Saudi Arabian medical students utilizing a previously published online survey in 2020. Results: The study questionnaire was completed by 474 respondents. The average knowledge and preventive behavior score was significantly lower in males. The reported source of information showed a statistically significant association with knowledge and was higher in the respondents who reported world health organization (WHO)/centers for disease control and prevention (CDC)/UpToDate as their main source of information. The National Guidelines of the Ministry of Health was the second source to be reported for seeking information. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between the knowledge and preventive measures scores. The respondents who did not follow any information regarding COVID-19 had significantly lower knowledge and preventive behavior scores than those obtaining knowledge from sources. The preventive behavior score was not significantly different between clinical and pre-clinical students. Conclusion: This study assessed the knowledge, perceptions, and practices of COVID-19 following the onset of the pandemic in Saudi Arabia, indicating an acceptable level of undergraduate students' knowledge regarding the epidemic and its control measures.
