Occupational therapy practitioners' decision-making preferences, attitudes, awareness and barriers in relation to evidence-based practice implementation in Saudi Arabia

Aim: Evidence-based practice (EBP) plays a significant part in healthcare. There has been little research into the standard of care that healthcare workers provide to patients in Saudi Arabia. The purpose of this study was to investigate occupational therapy practitioners’ (OTPs) decision-making preferences, attitudes and awareness in relation to EBP as well as to discover any barriers possibly limiting EBP implementation. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey. The survey was distributed to OTPs in Saudi Arabia from May to July 2018. Data were collected on demographics, decision-making preferences, attitudes and awareness as well as on the barriers obstructing implementation of EBP. The percentages and frequencies of OTPs’ responses were analysed and reported. Pearson's Chi-square test was performed to explore the association between demographic variables and the attitudes and awareness of OTPs. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 24. Results: A total of 144 participants responded to the questionnaire, out of which 54 participants were excluded as they only completed the demographics section, and they did not answer any of the following sections. Among the completed responses (n = 90), one undergraduate participant was excluded. The final number of respondents whose data were analysed was 89 (61.8%). Out of the respondents, 58.4% were female and 73% had completed a bachelor's degree. No formal training in EBP was received by many of the respondents (53.9%). Although the attitude of 79.8% of OTPs about using research in practice was positive, a number were unfamiliar with some of the terms and with EBP implementation. The most important barrier to EBP implementation mentioned by the respondents was that their previous education had involved insufficient teaching (45%), while 42.7% mentioned inadequate resources and funding and 38.2% pointed to a lack of skills and research knowledge. The only significant association found in this study was between the awareness of OTPs and their education level. Conclusion: Although the attitude of OTPs toward EBP implementation was positive, their awareness regarding the use of EBP was relatively low, indicating a gap in how they understand and apply EBP in Saudi Arabia. Thus, its inclusion in the curricula for graduates and undergraduates should be considered

Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms in Saudi Allied Dental Professionals: Is there an Underestimation of Related Occupational Risk Factors?

This study aims to examine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) symptoms in allied dental professionals (ADPs) in Saudi Arabia and risk factors for MSDs. The study also explores ADPs’ opinions and attitudes about the effect of MSD symptoms on the quality of life and potential mitigatory measures. This is a prospective cross-sectional study. Participants were 355 licensed dental staff (average age 33.6 ± 8.1 years, 69% women) working as assistants, lab technicians, radiology technicians, or sterilization technicians with at least six months’ work experience. The self-administrated questionnaire comprised socio-demographics, work-related factors, and items from the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Multivariate and univariate logistic regressions were conducted to investigate risk factors for MSD symptoms. Overall, 93% of ADPs complained of MSD symptoms in at least one body site in the past 12 months. Factors related to work conditions (e.g., ‘keeping an uncomfortable posture for long periods of time’, ‘lifting heavy objects’) and years of experience were proven to be significant risk factor for developing MSDs. The cohort of ADPs showed a high MSD symptoms prevalence. Efforts are imperative in addressing the risk factors of ergonomics and the workplace environment, and more rigorous studies are needed to further investigate risk factors

Role of Physical Therapy before and after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: White Paper Report.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients can suffer from various musculoskeletal problems resulting in long-term functional incapacity. Physical therapy (PT), as a part of the healthcare team, has been historically advocated for regaining functional capacity and improving quality of life post-HSCT. Because of the nature of this condition and the burden of post-transplant complications, this patient group requires a unique approach toward their rehabilitation that takes into account their complex musculoskeletal presentation ranging from fascia, muscle, tendons, bones, and ligaments. However, to our knowledge there is no universal standardized PT protocol or pathway to help guide rehab specialists to achieve optimal gains for this patient group, and anecdotal evidence suggests that these patients do not always receive the PT care they require. Hence, in collaboration with the Transplant Complications Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation, the Survivorship Special Interest Group of the American Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, and the Quality of Life Committee of the Eastern Mediterranean Blood and Marrow Transplantation, herein the Physical Therapy Association for Graft Versus Host Disease provides a brief review on role of PT in mitigating musculoskeletal complications in HSCT patients and makes evidence-based recommendations for incorporation of PT into routine HSCT care.status: publishe

Saudi Expert Consensus-Based Autism Spectrum Disorder Statement: From Screening to Management

Background: There is a large gap between the needs of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the currently available services in Saudi Arabia. Services are often difficult to access, inconsistent in quality, incomplete, unsatisfactory, and costly. As such, there is a national need for expert consensus on the appropriate standards for the assessment and management of children on the autism spectrum. Methodology: A guideline development group (GDC) was formed by professionals representing all related specialties and institutions involved in the management of individuals on the autism spectrum in Saudi Arabia. They met on a regular basis over 21 months. The guideline development process consisted of five steps starting from reviewing existing guidelines and ending with discussing and writing this manuscript. A formal voting process was utilized and recommendations were discussed until a consensus was reached. Results: There was consensus on the following: A specialized diagnostic assessment needs to be carried out by an experienced multidisciplinary team for children referred to assess for ASD. They should be assessed for medical etiology, their behavioral history carefully reviewed, and symptoms directly observed. Longitudinal assessments are encouraged to reflect the effects of symptoms on the individual’s ability to function while with their family, among peers, and in school settings. An additional formal assessment of language, cognitive, and adaptive abilities as well as sensory status is essential to complete the diagnostic process. Interventions should be individualized, developmentally appropriate, and intensive, with performance data relevant to intervention goals to evaluate and adjust interventions. Target symptoms must be identified to address and develop monitoring systems to track change. Conclusion: ASD is a complex condition with widely varying clinical manifestations, thus requiring evaluation and intervention by a range of professionals working in coordination. Behavioral and environmental interventions are the key to optimal outcomes, in conjunction with medications when indicated for specific symptoms. Parental involvement in interventions is vital to sustaining therapeutic gains