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

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.

Knowledge and Practices of Insulin Pump among Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Attending a Specialized Center in Saudi Arabia

“…On the other hand, insulin pump related knowledge and practices among patients with T1D were not comprehensively examined in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, the knowledge level of insulin pump among local healthcare providers was clearly inadequate [19,20]. The objective of the current study was to examine insulin pump related knowledge and practices among patients with T1D attending a specialized center in Saudi Arabia.…”