Wound Care Knowledge and Perception of the Saudi General Population in Riyadh Region.

Objective: Proper wound care and management are essential in health care facilities to prevent complications. There are many statistical studies on wound management both globally and in the Middle East. However, patient perception and knowledge regarding wound care have not been assessed in depth. Therefore, this study explored patient perception, attitude, and knowledge of wound care as well as the factors influencing patient perception among the Saudi population. Approach: This cross-sectional study included 414 individuals (mean age, 34 years; females, 64%) from varied social backgrounds who met the inclusion criteria. It was conducted in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), from June to December 2019. Data were obtained from the participants using a pretested, validated self-administered questionnaire. Results: Of the participants, 78.0% completed a bachelor's degree or higher. The majority (71.7%) had an average level of knowledge regarding wound care. Most of the participants sought medical information from nonmedical resources-from social media (42.8%) and from relatives and friends (40.6%). Moreover, most of them (73.3%) used home remedies, 77.1% Vaseline, 71% butter, 70.2% coffee beans, 71.5% toothpaste, and 83.1% Zamzam water for their wounds. Innovation: This study is the first study to address the beliefs of the Saudi nonhealth care community toward wound care. Conclusion: Our findings revealed a gap between the level of education and knowledge and beliefs of our population, which could negatively affect clinical outcomes. To address this issue, there is a need to develop an awareness program on wound care and management for patients and providers.

Safety measures for COVID-19: a review of surgical preparedness at four major medical centres in Saudi Arabia.

In view of the worldwide coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, hospitals need contingency planning. This planning should include preparation for an unexpected patient surge. This measure is evolving concomitantly with the implementation of the needed infection control rules. Here, we present our experience in contingency planning at four large tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia during this global pandemic, with a focus on dealing with COVID-19 patients who need to undergo surgery. The planning covers response measures required in the operating room and supporting units, including the administrative department, intensive care unit, and different sections of the surgical department. Furthermore, it covers the role of education and simulation in preparing health care providers and ensuring smooth workflow between all sections. We additionally discuss the guidelines and policies implemented in different surgical specialties. These measures are necessary to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 within healthcare facilities. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the healthcare system should develop a comprehensive pandemic plan and set guidelines addressing the management of urgent and malignant cases. The guidelines should be in concordance with internal guidelines.