Are Physicians in Saudi Arabia Ready for Patients with an Insulin Pump? An Examination of Physician Knowledge and Attitude

Aqeel Alaqeel, Abdulaziz Almushaigeh, Muna Almijmaj, Raghad Almesned and Mohammed Alsuhaibani
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Aqeel Alaqeel: Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Qassim 51452, Saudi Arabia
Abdulaziz Almushaigeh: Medical Intern, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Qassim 51452, Saudi Arabia
Muna Almijmaj: Medical Intern, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Qassim 51452, Saudi Arabia
Raghad Almesned: Medical Intern, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Qassim 51452, Saudi Arabia
Mohammed Alsuhaibani: Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Qassim 51452, Saudi Arabia

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 24, 1-10

Abstract: Aims: The use of insulin pump therapy in patients with diabetes continues to expand worldwide. Although insulin pumps have been demonstrated to be successful and safe, physicians’ insufficient knowledge may carry a risk to the patients using insulin pumps. This study aimed to assess the attitude and knowledge among physicians in Saudi Arabia regarding insulin pump therapy. Methods: Three hundred and seven physicians, including 82 family physicians, 76 pediatricians, 48 internists, 27 pediatric endocrinologists, 17 adult endocrinologists, and 57 physicians from other specialties, completed a questionnaire that evaluated their knowledge and attitude toward insulin pump therapy. Results: Among the evaluated physicians, 56.7% had poor knowledge level, while 53.4% had positive attitude. Statistical tests revealed that older age, years of practice, consultancy, and endocrinology specialty were the influential factors of knowledge ( p < 0.001). Non-endocrinologists demonstrated poor knowledge despite seeing patients with insulin pumps; however, those who had previously cared for such patients scored significantly higher knowledge scores. Conclusions: There was a significant lack of knowledge among physicians regarding insulin pump therapy; however, the perceived attitude of physicians toward this therapy was deemed positive. These findings support the implementation of insulin pump education programs.

Keywords: insulin pump therapy; diabetes; knowledge; attitude; physicians (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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