Abstract

Objective: This study examined the perception and attitude of emergency department (ED) and primary care physicians (PCPs) toward subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in Al-Hasa, Saudi Arabia, and identified challenges in its management.
Methods: A cross-sectional research design was employed in this study. A self-administered structured questionnaire with 17 validated questions was distributed electronically via email and social media to 103 eligible ED and PCPs residing in Al-Ahsa city, Saudi Arabia. The sample represented physicians from different settings.
Results: Results showed physicians had moderate SAH knowledge, with age being the most important in determining patient prognosis. Limited access to specialized care and trained staff were the biggest management challenges. Additional staff training and increased specialized care access were suggested to improve SAH management.
Conclusion: SAH is a potentially life-threatening condition requiring immediate attention. ED and PCPs play a crucial SAH management role, so understanding their perception and attitude is important. Providing extra staff training and specialized care access might improve SAH management.

Key words: Perceptions, attitudes, emergency department, primary care physicians, subarachnoid hemorrhage