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Background and objective The use of radiation imaging techniques in operation theaters is essential for numerous surgical procedures and patients' overall well-being. Radiation imaging techniques enable the surgeon to have a real-time visualization of the anatomy and to perform operations with a greater chance of success, decrease rates of patient morbidity, and enable surgeons to obtain imaging records before the patient leaves the theater room. However, with the increased use of imaging techniques in orthopedic surgical operations, orthopedic surgeons are being exposed to higher levels of radiation, and hence they can be classified as a high-risk group for occupational radiation exposure. This study aimed to assess orthopedic surgeons' awareness and knowledge regarding radiation exposure safety. Materials and methods A questionnaire-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2022 to assess the knowledge regarding ionizing radiation exposure safety among orthopedic surgeons, including consultants, specialists, and residents, at both private and governmental hospitals in Al-Madinah city, Saudi Arabia. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Al-Madinah (approval number: H-03-l.l-084). The applied statistical tests were frequency and MCT tests for univariate variables while Chi-square was applied for bivariate variables. With a 95% confidence interval (CI), a p-value of more than 0.05 was used as the cut-off value for the significance level. Results A total of 57 surgeons participated in the study, of which 57.9% were exposed to radiation two to three times per week. Additionally, more than half of the physicians (66.7%) were not trained to use fluoroscopy (C-arm machine). Of note, 78.9% of orthopedic surgeons reported that they used the protective apron as protective equipment, while 17.5% of them used both a protective apron and thyroid shield. However, only less than half of the orthopedic surgeons (43.9%) in our study practiced radiation safety in the operating room. Conclusion Our study revealed a lack of knowledge and awareness related to ionizing radiation exposure safety among orthopedic surgeons in Al-Madinah city, Saudi Arabia.
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PURPOSE: Research methodology is an essential part of evidence-based medicine. Many educational programs include clinical research methodology within their curriculum. Moreover, students' preferences for learning methods are different than before, as they now prefer alternative methods, such as peer teaching. Peer-assisted learning enhances students' tutoring skills. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the effect of peer teaching on enhancing clinical research skills. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Peer-assisted learning was evaluated during a four-week online research methodology course designed for medical students at King Abdulaziz University. A total of 121 students' and 38 tutors' attitudes and perceptions of peer teaching were evaluated using a self-administered questionnaire. The effectiveness of peer teaching was assessed using pre- and post-course knowledge tests. Chi-square was used to assess the association of qualitative data, and Mann-Whitney U-test and Wilcoxon rank test were used as nonparametric tests for the variables that were not normally distributed. RESULTS: The post-course knowledge score was significantly higher than the pre-test score. Students had a positive perception of peer-assisted learning. Over 90% of the students preferred peer-assisted learning to traditional teaching. Similarly, the tutors had significantly positive perceptions of peer-assisted teaching. Younger students who had higher post-test mean knowledge scores had a good perception of peer teaching. CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrates students' and tutors' positive perceptions of peer-assisted learning as well as the effectiveness of peer learning. Medical schools should pay more attention to students and prepare them for peer-teacher roles.
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Overview Successful medical care depends on the trust developed between a physician and his patient. Professionally dressed doctors are likely to achieve a higher level of trust from their patients than those with a non-professional appearance.For many years, the physician's famous white coat has been the standard professional wear around the world. Few studies in Saudi Arabia have been conducted to analyze what kind of physician outfits patients prefer and whether the choice of attire affects the patient's level of trust. These studies were either done in a single health institute, or in few primary healthcare clinics in one city. This study aims to analyze whether the type of clothing worn by a physician improves the level of trust between a patient and a doctor. Participants were asked about different styles of clothing, including Western business attire, traditional Saudi outfits, and surgical scrubs, and whether wearing the white coat was preferred. Moreover, we sought to establish if differences in age, gender, nationality, or educational background affected the responses. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out in August and September 2018. Participants living in Saudi Arabia anonymously filled out an electronic questionnaire, distributed by social media, which measured the effect of male physicians' outfits on the general population's perception in Saudi Arabia. Participants were shown photographs of possible dress styles for physicians. Data were collected on the participants' demographics, their most and least preferred doctor's outfits, and the effect of the physician's attire on their level of trust. Results A total of 8231 participants were included in the survey: 53% males, 87.9% with university-level education or higher, and 93.5% of Saudi nationality; 76.1% of the participants responded "yes" saying that the outfit would have an effect on how a patient might receive medical advice and follow the doctor's recommendations. The most preferred outfits chosen by the participants were surgical scrubs with a white coat (39.3%), followed by a Western shirt and tie with a white coat (30.3%). The least preferred outfit was the full (traditional) Saudi outfit with a white coat (25.4%), followed by a Western business suit without a white coat (23.2%). The choices of most and least preferred attire were found to be impacted by different demographic factors, such as age, gender, and nationality, but not the educational background. Conclusion Physicians practicing in Saudi Arabia should note that their attire will earn the patient's trust and encourage compliance with advice or treatment. The most preferred outfits were surgical scrubs with a white coat and a Western shirt and tie worn with a white coat, whereas the least preferred ones were the traditional Saudi thobe, with and without shemagh or ghutra, and the Western business suit without a white coat.