Impact of Knowledge and Attitude about Utilization of Laboratory among Primary Care the Physicians in Makkah Al-Mokarramah City, Saudi Arabia in 2023

Abstract

Background

For a long time history and physical examination hare been the most important part of patient's assessment  However, in recent years, the care of patients has become increasingly dependent on the results of laboratory investigations, and clinical laboratories have become major component in the delivery of health care. The physicians' knowledge, attitude and practices among primary care the physicians towards laboratory have been investigated. Laboratory investigation in Primary health Care (PHC) centers should not be considered an isolated activity of the general practitioner. It has always been and will continue to be an integral part of clinical practice in primary health care . Mitigation of unnecessary and redundant laboratory testing is an important quality assurance priority for laboratories and represents an opportunity for cost savings in the health care system,  Laboratory service is one of its important components.

Aim of the study: To assessment the impact of knowledge and attitude about Utilization of laboratory among primary care the physicians in Makkah al-mokarramah city, Saudi Arabia in 2023.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on laboratory services on primary care the physicians in Makah al-mokarramah 2023 Saudi Arabia. The study employed a self-administered questionnaire to collect data from patients attending both public PHC centres physicians (or outpatient clinics) in  makkah city. The questionnaire was designed to collect data on a number of variables related both to health services users and providers.

 Results: the most of the participants (36.0%) were in the age group 30-40 years, majority of them were females (61.0%), nationality the majority of participant are Saudi were(81.0%) , Position status the majority of participant are Lab technician were(55.0%) , work experience the majority of participant 10–20 years were(44.0%).

Conclusion There has been an increase in number of physicians working in the Primary Health Care Centers. The quality of the current laboratory services was deficient according to of physicians. They considered that investigations were essential for primary health care centers. And finally the utilization of laboratory tests in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was higher than many developing countries.