Physicians’ Knowledge of the Systematic ABCDE Approach in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate physicians’ knowledge of the ABCDE (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure) approach components. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 using an online questionnaire in order to collect data about the knowledge of the ABCDE approach’s components among physicians in different specialties in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Results The number of participants were 165 in total and the median knowledge score for all participants was 15.0, with an associated interquartile range (IQR) of 10.0 to 20.0. Intensive Care Medicine had the highest median knowledge score of 19.0 (IQR: 12.0–21.0), followed by Internal Medicine at 17.0 (IQR: 13.0–20.0). Conversely, Cardiology and Anesthesiology showed lower scores, with medians of 8.0 (IQR: 4.0–10.0) and 7.5 (IQR: 4.0–13.5), respectively (p = 0.011). Senior Registrars demonstrated the highest median knowledge score of 20.0 (IQR: 14.0–22.0), while Fellows had the lowest at 8.5 (IQR: 7.0–13.0) (p < 0.001). Practicing for 10 to 15 years and more than 15 years having medians of 20.0 (IQR: 16.0–23.0) and 19.0 (IQR: 17.0–22.0), respectively. However, participants with less experience, working for less than 5 years, had a median score of 12.0 (IQR: 8.5–16.5) (p < 0.001). Conclusion Knowledge scores of physicians representing various medical specialties found diverse levels regarding the ABCDE approach. Knowledge scores were significantly influenced by the primary area of practice, level of experience, and duration worked in the profession, highlighting the need for tailored training and education across different specialties and career stages. On the other hand, future studies should concentrate on finding new factors that influence practice adherence to the ABCDE approach and tying theoretical knowledge to clinical practice.