Use of critical care ultrasound in Saudi Arabia: Questionnaire analysis

Abstract

Basic skills and knowledge of critical care ultrasonography (CCUS) are considered mandatory in intensive care unit (ICU) practice. A link for the survey questionnaire [Appendix 1] was distributed to attendees of critical care meetings from different regions in Saudi Arabia about the topics of CCUS availability, use for diagnosis, and intervention. Responses were recorded for 48 h from launching on 1st day. We received 172 full responses, 95% of responders claimed that they have their own ultrasound machines in their units. In the opinion of 85.5% of the responders, the need for CCUS in ICU is mandatory and 14% of responders see it as optional. A significant positive association was found between responders' years of experience and obstacles to use CCUS (P < 0.001), while there was no significant association regarding responders' specialties, work region in Saudi Arabia and type of hospital they are working in (P = 0.509, 0.081, and 0.122, respectively).