The Use of Intraosseous Access in Adult Resuscitation Among Healthcare Providers in Saudi Arabia | [Journal of Pioneering Medical Sciences • 2025]

Author(s):

1. Badr Abdulrahman Aldawood: College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

2. Walaa Sadeq Alkhamis: College of Medicine, Dar Aluloom University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

3. Albaraa Mohammed Alsaif: King Saud University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

4. Zahra Bassam Alamer: College of Medicine, Dar Aluloom University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

5. Bader Alwohaiby: Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

6. Zainab Bader Almeshal: College of Medicine, Dar Aluloom University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

7. Mojtaba Hussain Alzaher: Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University: Dammam, Saudi Arabia

8. Sarah Sulaiman Alnassri: King Saud University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract:

Objectives: Establishing vascular access is essential in the management of critically ill patients. Intraosseous (IO) access involves inserting a specialized needle into the bone to deliver medications and fluids or collect lab samples and is particularly valuable when intravenous access is challenging or time sensitive. Objective: This study aimed to assess the frequency of IO access use during adult resuscitation and to identify barriers encountered by physicians across different specialties and training levels in Saudi Arabia. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey distributed via email to eligible physicians between March 2023 and March 2024. The survey targeted physicians from both public and private hospitals, including those in Emergency Medicine, Intensive Care, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Anesthesiology, and Family Medicine, across all training levels. Results: A total of 231 healthcare providers participated, with a mean age of 26.1±12.8 years. There were 123 (53.2%) males and 108 (46.8%) females. Interns comprised the largest group by specialty (39.8%) and training level (57.6%). Of the included participants, 110 (47.6%) had ever inserted an IO needle, 105 (45.9%) received hands-on IO training, and 127 (55%) candidates received didactic IO teaching. Participation in adult resuscitation varied, with 37.2% involved in 1-10 cases and 7.8% in more than 100. While 75.8% emphasized the importance of rapid vascular access, only 41.1% were confident in using IO. Overall, 74% demonstrated good awareness and perception of IO use. Awareness was significantly higher among those with didactic teaching 80.3% vs. 66.3%, p = .016), hands-on training (79% vs. 71%, p = .048), and experience in 51-100 real-life resuscitations (90% vs. 73.6%, p = .046). Conclusion: Despite its critical importance, IO access remains underutilized in adult resuscitation in Saudi Arabia. The findings highlight the need for improved education and hands-on training, especially given the challenges of establishing vascular access in patients with burns, edema, obesity, or a history of IV drug use

Page(s): 180-188

DOI: 10.47310/jpms2025140624

Published: Journal: Journal of Pioneering Medical Sciences, Volume: 14, Issue: 6, Year: 2025

Keywords:

Emergency Medicine , Saudi Arabia , Resuscitation , vascular access , Intraosseous access

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