Evaluation of Musculoskeletal Medicine Knowledge Among Physicians and Physical Therapists in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are rapidly rising in Saudi Arabia and considered the 3rd reason for hospital visits across the country. Despite their prevalence, the adequacy of knowledge in MSK medicine has not been assessed. The purpose of this study is to assess MSK medicine knowledge amongst healthcare providers (orthopedists, primary care physicians, and physical therapists) and medical and physical therapy students and interns.Method: In this cross-sectional study, a web-based 25-question MSK test was given to licensed physical therapists and physicians; as well as final year physical therapy and medical students and interns in Saudi Arabia. One-way analysis of variance was used to determine MSK test scores differences amongst orthopedists, primary care physicians, and physical therapists; and amongst medical and physical therapy students and interns.Results: A total of 680 participants were included (response rate is 86.7%.) The overall MSK test score was 48.2%; and the passing rate was 14%. There was a significant score difference amongst orthopedists (88.8%), primary care physicians (53.6%), and physical therapists (46.7%); F(2,431) = 38.1, p < .001). There was significant score difference amongst physical therapy students (45.3%), physical therapy interns (42.6%), medical students (52.3%) and medical interns (67.4%); F(3,242) = 10.7, p < .001).Conclusion: Except for orthopedists, the MSK medicine knowledge appears inadequate amongst healthcare providers, medical and physical therapy students and interns in Saudi Arabia. To improve knowledge in MSK medicine, increasing contents of MSK medicine in undergraduate education and postgraduate training is necessary.

Assessment of the Attitudes and Knowledge of Musculoskeletal Medicine Among Medical Students at King Faisal University: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…A study conducted at Harvard Medical School during the 2005-2006 academic year demonstrated that students had poor cognitive mastery, low clinical confidence, and were dissatisfied with the time devoted to musculoskeletal education (7). A cross-sectional study that evaluated knowledge of musculoskeletal medicine among physicians and physical therapists in Saudi Arabia showed that there is inadequate knowledge of musculoskeletal medicine among primary care physicians and physical therapists (8). A review of previous research on the competency in musculoskeletal education in medical schools showed that there is clear evidence that undergraduate medical programs do not adequately prepare future physicians in musculoskeletal medicine (7,(9)(10)(11).…”