Knowledge and Awareness of Volume Assessment Among Emergency and Intensive Care Physicians in Saudi Arabia.

backgroundFluid volume measurement in the emergency department and intensive care unit (ICU) is critical for patient care. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of volume assessment among emergency medicine (EM) and ICU physicians in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND

methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among EM and ICU physicians using an online questionnaire. Data were collected on participants' demographics, work-related information, confidence in volume assessment, use of point-of-care ultrasonography, and knowledge and practices of volume assessment.

resultsOf the 114 physicians surveyed, 92 (80.7%) were aged 25-35 years, 65 (57%) were male, 70 (61.4%) were EM physicians, and 68 (59.6%) had fewer than five years of practice. ICU physicians demonstrated significantly higher knowledge that, in mechanically ventilated patients, a distensibility index of >18% indicates fluid responsiveness. In contrast, EM physicians had a higher proportion of correct responses regarding the indications for using Swan-Ganz catheters. The most commonly used method for volume assessment was physical examination (83, 72.8%), and the most frequently used laboratory biomarker was serum lactate (65, 57%). The majority (85, 74.6%) used focused cardiac assessments, including evaluation of the inferior vena cava, for volume assessment. ICU physicians reported significantly higher use of Doppler ultrasound for volume assessment. Only 17 (14.9%) physicians demonstrated a good level of knowledge of volume assessment, with no significant associations found between knowledge level and participants' demographics, work experience, or confidence in volume assessment.

conclusionsA poor understanding of fluid volume assessment was observed among EM and ICU physicians in Saudi Arabia. Training on the principles of volume assessment is needed.