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

• Main Authors: Aqeel Alaqeel, Abdulaziz Almushaigeh, Muna Almijmaj, Raghad Almesned, Mohammed Alsuhaibani
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-12-01
• Series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Subjects: insulin pump therapy; diabetes; knowledge; attitude; physicians
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/24/9394
• ISSN: 1661-7827; 1660-4601

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 (<i>p</i> < 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.