Abstract

Background and Aims:
This study aims to decrease the knowledge gab in literature by investigating physician’s understanding of the crash cart medications, their perception of it, and how they utilize it.

Methods:
This is a cross-sectional study targeting primary care physicians across Saudi Arabia. Stratified sampling was used in which general and family physicians were distributed over five regional strata. The sample size was determined to be 366 physicians. The data distribution was tested individually for each subset using the Anderson-Darling test and hence determining the appropriate statistical test accordingly. T-test and one-way ANOVA were used for parametric statistical tests, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis were used for non-parametric tests, and finally Wald test was utilized in binary logistic regression analysis. Minitab statistical package [version 19.2020.1(64-bit)] was used to perform all statistical analysis in this research.

Results:
324 responses across Saudi were collected, with 7.04/10 as a mean knowledge score. The mean knowledge score considered high with 1.92 standard deviation. Non- Saudi physicians had significantly higher knowledge than Saudi physicians did. Physicians who reported being able to interpret electrocardiogram rhythms had significantly higher knowledge scores compared to those who could not. Easiness of performing cardiac compressions was also linked to better knowledge scores compared to those with some difficulties.

Conclusion:
Addressing the identified barriers and implementing standardized crash cart protocols in PHCs can significantly improve emergency preparedness and patient outcomes. Investing in the ongoing development of physicians’ emergency management skills will ultimately enhance the overall quality of care in PHC settings.

Key words: Crash carts, Primary health Care Physicians, Medical practices