BACKGROUND:Stroke represents a significant global health issue, consistently identified as one of the leading causes of disability and mortality worldwide. Smoking constitutes a major risk factor for stroke development. OBJECTIVES:This study evaluated the prevalence of smoking among stroke patients in Saudi Arabia. METHODS:Embase, Medline, and SCOPUS were systematically searched from inception to December 2024. Data was screened and synthesized following the PRISMA guidelines. Stratified meta-analysis was performed to pool the prevalence of smokers among stroke patients across various provinces of Saudi Arabia. RESULTS:There were 19,499 stroke patients in 42 included studies; 2695 (14 %) were smokers, and 14,701 were male. The overall pooled prevalence of smoking among stroke patients in Saudi Arabia is 18 % (95 % CI, 14-22 %). The Western and Northern provinces demonstrate the highest percentages of smokers among stroke patients, at 33 % (95 % CI, 21-47 %) and 23 % (95 % CI, 19-27 %), respectively. The sensitivity analysis using leave-one-out methodologies shows that the pooled percentage estimate is robust, with no one research substantially influencing the conclusions. The meta-regression shows no link between smoking prevalence in stroke patients and age (p-value = 0.17). The results of Egger's test (t = 0.74, bias estimate = 0.7109, p-value = 0.4645) indicate no publication bias in this meta-analysis. CONCLUSION:Smoking is prevalently high among stroke patients in Saudi Arabia, with significant regional variations. To reduce the impact of smoking on stroke incidence and outcomes, it is essential to implement targeted preventive programs that include integrating smoking cessation into stroke treatment plans and launching public health campaigns.

Alqahtani, Jaber S.; Aldraiwiesh, Ibrahim A.; AlRabeeah, Saad; Alqahtani, Maram; Alothman, Shahad; Almatrfi, Atheer; Alharbi, Sultanah; alanazi, Manal Author Information

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a complex common defect in pediatric patients, and definitive treatment is usually cardiac surgery, especially for diseases with complex aetiology (ie, Critical CHD). While significant success has been reported due to improvement in diagnosis and treatment, the risk of mortality is still relatively higher than in the general population. Advances in surgical and post-surgical clinical management continue to increase survival in pediatric patients. However, mechanical ventilation (MV) during and after post-surgical procedures is linked with potential complications that may drive morbidity and mortality. Standard clinical practice dictates weaning patients off MV within the first 24 hours after surgery. However, various factors may increase the risk of extubation failure (EF), reintubation, and prolonged MV (PMV). Generally, PMV has been linked with increased length of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) stay, morbidity, and higher risk of post-cardiac surgery mortality. The risk of PMV may be either preexisting (preoperative), perioperative/intraoperative, and/or postoperative, with the tendency to define the clinical course and patient outcomes. Monitoring and understanding the physiological dynamics of these risk factors may provide an opportunity for better and improved clinical management, which may translate into better patient outcomes. This review delves into the risk factors of extubation failure, reintubation, and PMV in pediatric cardiac surgery patients with complex (CHD) and the potential preventative measures to improve patients' outcomes.

BackgroundLung cancer is currently the most fatal form of cancer worldwide, ranking as the fourth most prevalent type in Saudi Arabia, particularly among males. This trend is expected to increase with growing population, lifestyle changes, and aging population. Understanding the awareness of the Saudi population regarding the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer is necessary to attenuate the predicted increase in cases.MethodA cross-sectional, population-based survey was performed using a previously validated questionnaire (Lung CAM). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess variables associated with deficiency in knowledge and awareness of risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer.ResultsMajority of the 15,099 respondents were male (65%), aged between 18 and 30 years (53%), 50% of which were educated up to a bachelor’s degree level. Overall awareness of lung cancer signs and symptoms was 53%, with painful cough and coughing up blood being the best-known symptoms. Conversely, persistent shoulder pain (44%) and clubbing fingers (47%) were the least known lung cancer symptoms. Also, 60% of the respondents showed low confidence in identifying the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. The overall awareness of the risk factors for lung cancer development was 74%, with first-hand (74%) and second-hand (68%) smoking being the most known risk factors. However, only ≤ 62% know the other non-smoking risk factors. Awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer depended on age, gender, education, marital and employment status (p < 0.001).ConclusionPublic awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of lung cancer in Saudi Arabia is inadequate and heavily dependent on education and socio-economic status. Awareness can be improved through campaigns to raise awareness about other lesser-known lung cancer risk factors and symptoms.

BackgroundNight shift duties are crucial in the ICU to ensure care continuity, where critically ill patients require round-the-clock care. However, cumulative night shift duties may disturb circadian rhythm, insomnia, fatigue, and depression, and require further elucidation.ObjectivesThis study aims to examine the negative consequences of various night shift patterns on insomnia, fatigue, and mental health of ICU Workers.MethodsA cross-sectional study examined how cumulative night shift duty affects insomnia, fatigue, and mental health in critical care providers (CCPs).ResultsA total of 1006 participants completed this study between June 2022 and March 2023, including 54.5% males. About 35% were between 20-30 years of age, and Respiratory Therapists accounted for approximately 46.5% of the entire sample. Most of our respondents (476; 47%) reported working night shifts, with a monthly range of 8-15 nights. The prevalence rates for moderate to severe clinical insomnia, fatigue, and moderate to severe depression were 42%, 48%, and 32%, respectively. CCPs working 8-15 nights had a 2-fold risk of clinical insomnia than those working fewer than eight nights with (AOR) and 95% (CI) of 2.12 and 1.41–3.20, while those working ≥16 nights per month had a greater incidence of clinical insomnia compared to those working < 8 nights per month, AOR (CI): 3.09 (1.90–5.03). Only those working ≥ 16-night shifts per month had a substantially higher fatigue risk compared to those working < 8-night shifts per month, with an AOR (CI) of 1.92 (1.19–3.08). Working 8–15-night shifts per month increases depression risks by 34% compared to the <8-night shifts group, AOR (CI): 1.34 (0.87–2.08). Those working ≥16-night shifts per month showed a higher depression risk than those working <8-night shifts, AOR (CI): 2.53 (1.53–4.19).ConclusionA cumulative night shift above eight nights per month is linked with an increased risk of insomnia, fatigue, and depression. The risk of these conditions was significantly directly proportional to the number of night shifts performed per month.

Allied Healthcare encompasses various professions involved in diagnosing, evaluating, and preventing diseases and disorders. Allied Healthcare Institutes (AHIs) provide education and training in these professions. However, there is currently a lack of explicit guidelines for ensuring quality excellence in AHIs. This narrative review aims to address this gap by examining existing literature on quality assurance in AHIs and proposing a conceptual framework that outlines essential components for establishing a high-quality AHI. A comprehensive search of PubMed and Google Scholar electronic databases yielded 86 relevant articles, which were analyzed and grouped into Nine themes related to the study's objectives. These themes include leadership in AHIs, student selection and support, teaching quality, curriculum development, research opportunities, stakeholder involvement, quality improvement initiatives, the impact of accreditation/certification, and physical facilities. Based on the review, the study presents 33 carefully formulated recommendations. By implementing these guidelines, policymakers and those interested in establishing AHIs can create institutions that promote the acquisition of new knowledge and skills, foster research and development, and provide excellent educational resources.

The result of the movement restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic was an impromptu and abrupt switch from in-person to online teaching. Most focus has been on the perception and experience of students during the process. The aim of this international survey is to assess staffs' perspectives and challenges of online teaching during the COVID-19 lockdown. Cross-sectional research using a validated online survey was carried out in seven countries (Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Indonesia, India, the United Kingdom, and Egypt) between the months of December 2021 and August 2022, to explore the status of online teaching among faculty members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Variables and response are presented as percentages while logistic regression was used to assess the factors that predict levels of satisfaction and the challenges associated with online instruction. A total of 721 response were received from mainly male (53%) staffs. Most respondents are from Brazil (59%), hold a Doctorate degree (70%) and have over 10 years of working experience (62%). Although, 67% and 79% have relevant tools and received training for online teaching respectively, 44% report that online teaching required more preparation time than face-to-face. Although 41% of respondents were uncertain about the outcome of online teaching, 49% were satisfied with the process. Also, poor internet bandwidth (51%), inability to track students' engagement (18%) and Lack of technical skills (11.5%) were the three main observed limitations. Having little or no prior experience of online teaching before the COVID-19 pandemic [OR, 1.58 (95% CI, 1.35-1.85)], and not supporting the move to online teaching mode [OR, 0.56 (95% CI,0.48-0.64)] were two main factors independently linked with dissatisfaction with online teaching. While staffs who support the move to online teaching were twice likely to report no barriers [OR, 2.15 (95% CI, 1.61-2.86)]. Although, relevant tools and training were provided to support the move to online teaching during COVID-19 lockdown, barriers such as poor internet bandwidth, inability to track students' engagement and lack of technical skills were main limitations observed internationally by teaching staffs. Addressing these barriers should be the focus of higher education institution in preparation for future disruptions to traditional teaching modes.

BACKGROUND:There is a concerning lack of representative data on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) awareness in Saudi Arabia, and a significant proportion of the population is vulnerable to developing a smoking habit, which is a major risk factor for the disease.METHODS:Population-Based Survey of 15,000 people was conducted to assess the public knowledge and awareness of COPD across Saudi Arabia from October 2022 to March 2023.RESULTS:A total of 15002 responders completed the survey, with a completion rate of 82%. The majority 10314 (69%) were 18-30 year and 6112 (41%) had high school education. The most common comorbidities among the responders were depression (7.67%); hypertension (6%); diabetes (5.77%) and Chronic Lung Disease (4.12%). The most common symptoms were dyspnea (17.80%); chest tightness (14.09%) and sputum (11.19%). Among those who complains of any symptoms, only 16.44% had consulted their doctor. Around 14.16% were diagnosed with a respiratory disease and only 15.56% had performed pulmonary function test (PFT). The prevalence of smoking history was 15.16%, in which current smokers were 9.09%. About 48% of smokers used cigarette, 25% used waterpipe and around 27% were E-cigarette users. About 77% of the total sample have never heard about COPD. Majority of current smokers (73.5%; 1002), ex-smokers (68%; 619), and non-smokers (77.9%; 9911) are unaware of COPD, p value <0.001. Seventy five percent (1028) of the current smokers and 70% (633) of the ex-smokers have never performed PFT, p value <0.001. Male, younger age (18-30 years), higher education, family history of respiratory diseases, previous diagnosis of respiratory disease, previous PFT, and being an ex-smokers increases the odds of COPD awareness, p-value <0.05.CONCLUSION:There is a significantly low awareness about COPD in Saudi Arabia, especially among smokers. A nationwide approach must include targeted public awareness campaigns, continued healthcare professional education, community-based activities encouraging diagnosis and early detection, advice on smoking cessation and lifestyle changes, as well as coordinated national COPD screening programs.

A high body mass index (BMI) is a known risk factor for coronavirus infection in hospitalized patients. Our study examined the association between BMI and complications and the survival rate among COVID-19 patients. This retrospective analysis used data from a tertiary hospital in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia during two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study included 600 participants, with the majority being between 41 and 60 years old (41.3%) and men comprising 63.5% of the sample. Approximately 42.5% of patients were obese, and 31.3% were overweight. The results showed that BMI was significantly linked to respiratory diseases (p = 0.013); end-stage renal disease (p = 0.021); and cardiovascular disease (p = 0.003) but not diabetes mellitus (p = 0.064). Death occurred in 10.8% of patients; 33.8% were admitted to the ICU; 13.8% needed mechanical ventilation; and 60.7% had lung infiltration. Obese patients with oxygen saturation levels below 93% were 2.45 times more likely to require mechanical ventilation than those in the normal-weight group. Overweight and obese patients were also more likely to require mechanical ventilation than normal-weight patients, with odds ratios of 3.66 and 2.81, respectively. The BMI categorized was not associated with survival rate in COVID-19-hospitalized patients using Kaplan-Meier survival plots (p = 0.061). However, the BMI categorized was associated with survival rate in COVID-19 ICU patients (p < 0.001). In addition, the overweight showed a statistically significant higher hazard ratio of 2.22 (p = 0.01) compared to normal-weight patients using a Cox regression model. A high BMI was identified as an independent risk factor for reduced oxygen saturation (<93%), the need for mechanical ventilation, lung infiltration, mortality, and longer ICU stays in COVID-19 patients.

Few incidences of adult patients with rapidly progressing empyema complicated by bronchopleural fistula related to Streptococcus anginosus have been documented. A 53-year-old male with a history of smoking 20 packs/year. He was admitted with 5 days history of worsening cough, respiratory distress, fever, headache, and pleuritic chest pain. Thoracic ultrasound was done, showing septated right-sided pleural effusion, confirming empyema. After decortication, pus culture showed heavy growth of Streptococcus anginosus. The drug susceptibility test revealed susceptibility to penicillin, erythromycin, cephalosporin, and piperacillin/tazobactam. The patient was successfully treated with piperacillin/ tazobactam and early open thoracotomy decortication surgery was performed and discharged within 11 days. Although the number of empyema cases infected with Streptococcus anginosus is low, patients should be managed early depending on accurate diagnosis using the right antibiotics, optimal drainage, and surgical intervention if necessary. Further knowledge and research on the clinical presentation and the pathogenesis of thoracic Streptococcus anginosus are needed to have better clinical outcomes in future cases. The specific classification of empyema is suggested using lung ultrasound for the best management options.

Background: Smoking behavior has been associated with poor academic performance among adult students worldwide. However, the detrimental effect of nicotine dependence on several students' academic achievement indicators is still unclear. This study aims to assess the impact of smoking status and nicotine dependence on grade point average (GPA), absenteeism rate and academic warnings among undergraduate health sciences students in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A validated cross-sectional survey was conducted, in which, participants responded to questions evaluated cigarette consumption, urge to consume and dependency, learning performance, days of absentees, and academic warnings. Results: A total of 501 students from different health specialties have completed the survey. Of whom, 66% were male, 95% ranging between the age of 18-30 years old, and 81% reported no health issues or chronic diseases. Current smokers estimated to be 30% of the respondents, of which 36% revealed smoking history of 2-3 years. The prevalence of nicotine dependency (high to extremely high) was 50%. Overall, smokers had significantly lower GPA, higher absenteeism rate, and higher number of academic warnings when compared to nonsmokers (p<0.001). Heavy smokers demonstrated significantly less GPA (p=0.036), higher days of absences (p=0.017), and more academic warnings (p=0.021) compared to light smokers. The linear regression model indicated a significant association between smoking history (increased pack-per-year) and poor GPA (p=0.01) and increased number of academic warning last semester (p=0.01), while increased cigarette consumption was substantially linked with higher academic warnings (p=0.002), lower GPA (p=0.01), and higher absenteeism rate for last semester (p=0.01). Conclusion: Smoking status and nicotine dependence were predictive of worsening academic performance, including lower GPA, higher absenteeism rate and academic warnings. In addition, there is a substantial and unfavorable dose-response association between smoking history and cigarette consumption with impaired academic performance indicators.

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected healthcare workers (HCWs). Here, we evaluate the occurence of long-COVID-19 symtoms among HCWs.Methods: This is a questionnaire-based study of HCWs who had COVID-19 in two medical centers in Saudi Arabia and were mostly vaccinated.Results: The study included 243 HCWs with a mean age (+ SD) of 36.1 (+ 7.6) years. Of them, 223 (91.8%) had three doses of COVID-19 vaccine, 12 (4.9%) had four doses, and 5 (2.1%) had two doses. The most common symptoms at the start of the illness were cough (180, 74.1%), shortness of breath (124, 51%), muscle ache (117, 48.1%), headache (113, 46.5%), sore throat (111, 45.7%), diarrhea (109, 44.9%) and loss of taste (108, 44.4%). Symptoms lasted for < one week in 117 (48.1%), > one week and < 1 month in 89 (36.6%), > 2 months and < 3 months in 9 (3.7%), and > 3 months in 15 (6.2%). The main symptoms present > 3 months were hair loss (8, 3.3%), cough (5, 2.1%), and diarrhea (5, 2.1%). A binomial regression analysis showed no relationship between persistence of symptoms for > 3 months and other demographic or clinical symptoms characteristics. Conclusion: The study showed a low rate of the occurence of long-COVID > 3 months during the Omicron wave among mostly vaccinated HCWs with no significant comorbidities. Furhter studies are needed to examine the effect of different vaccines on long-COVID-19 among HCWs.& COPY; 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with disruption in autonomic nervous control of the heart rhythm. We present here quantitative evidence of the reduction in HRV measures as well as the challenges to clinical application of HRV in COPD clinics. Method Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we search in June 2022 Medline and Embase databases for studies reporting HRV in COPD patients using relevant medical subject headings (MeSH) terms. The quality of included studies was assessed using the modified version of the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). Descriptive data were extracted, while standardized mean difference was computed for changes in HRV due to COPD. Leave-one-out sensitivity test was performed to assess exaggerated effect size and funnel plots to assess publication bias. Results The databases search yielded 512 studies, of which we included 27 that met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the studies (73%) had a low risk of bias and included a total of 839 COPD patients. Although there were high between-studies heterogeneity, HRV time and frequency domains were significantly reduced in COPD patients compared with controls. Sensitivity test showed no exaggerated effect sizes and the funnel plot showed general low publication bias. Conclusion COPD is associated with autonomic nervous dysfunction as measured by HRV. Both sympathetic and parasympathetic cardiac modulation were decreased, but there is still a predominance of sympathetic activity. There is high variability in the HRV measurement methodology, which affects clinical applicability.

Background: The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on sleep quality, insomnia, mental health and memory in the United States. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using publicly available database taken from Boston College COVID-19 Sleep and Well-Being Dataset. Results: A total of 476 subjects were included in the analysis, with a mean (SD) age of 38.8 (17.8) years. The population had a mean (SD) score of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI of 6 (3.2), with 65% having the prevalence of poor sleep quality (defined as PSQ ≥ 5; n=311). The mean (SD) score for Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) was 6.9 (5.2), with 55 subjects (11.5%) had clinical insomnia (defined as ISI ≥ 15); of whom 9% had clinical severe insomnia. There were positive correlations between PSQI and ISI (r=0.76, p < 0.001; Figure 1), PROMIS fatigue scale (r=0.53, p<0.001), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) (r= 0.46, p<0.001), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) (r=0.44, p<0.001). PSQI was inversely correlated to John Henryism Active Coping Scale (JHACS) and memory scale. In the multivariate regression model, JHACS, ISI, fatigue, PSS, and GAD-7 were significant predictors for PSQI, and these variables accounted for 62% of the variance of PSQI. Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of poor sleep quality during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it was in association with insomnia and other mental and physical well-being. This finding highlights the need to prioritize policy and public health efforts to address sleep issues, which have substantial health and economic effects for both individuals and the population at large.

Background: Improved outcomes for patients on mechanical ventilation may be achieved with early mobilization (EM). However, it is not clear how widely this strategy is adopted into routine intensive care unit (ICU) practice in Saudi Arabia. Objectives: This study was conducted to describe the present practices and challenges to providing EM for mechanically ventilated patients, which may drive dissemination and implementation activities. Methods: We approached 205 ICUs across Saudi Arabia using a validated tool to assess ICU characteristics, the practices of EM for mechanically ventilated patients, and the barriers to providing EM. Results: We approached 205 ICU persons in charge and achieved a 65% response rate (133 ICUs). The prevalence of EM for mechanically ventilated patients was 47% (63 ICUs). A total of 85 (64%) of the respondents reported having no previous training in EM. The absence of a written protocol was reported by 55% of the ICU practitioners in charge, 36% started EM within 2 to 5 days of critical illness, and 35% reported that performing EM for mechanically ventilated patients was totally dependent on physicians' orders. Forty-seven percent of the ICUs that practised EM had at least one coordinator or person in charge of facilitating EM. The highest level of EM with mechanically ventilated patients was 35/63 (55%) with patients remaining in-bed and 28/63 (45%) with patient getting out of bed. A majority of the respondents (39, 64%) performed EM once daily for an interval period of more than 15 min. Previous training in EM and years of experience of the ICU person in charge were significant factors that promoted EM for mechanically ventilated ICU patients (OR: 7.6 (3.37-17.26); p < 0.001 and OR: 1.07 (1.01-1.14), p = 0.004, respectively). Existing protocols increased the odds of starting EM within 2 to 5 days of critical illness by six-fold (OR: 6.03 (1.79-20.30); p = 0.004). No written guidelines/protocols available for EM, medical instability, and limited staff were the most common hospital-, patient- and health care provider-related barriers to EM in the ICUs, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of EM for mechanically ventilated patients across Saudi Arabia was 47%, although only 36% of the ICU staff had previous training in EM. Targeting modifiable barriers to EM, including a lack of training, guidelines and protocols, and staffing, will help to promote EM in Saudi Arabian ICUs. (C) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Background: The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on sleep quality, insomnia, anxiety, stress, fatigue and active coping in the United States. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using a publicly available database taken from the Boston College COVID-19 Sleep and Well-Being Dataset. We have selected the most recent data that included information about sleep quality and other measures, including insomnia, anxiety, stress, fatigue and coping, collected between 22 February–8 March 2021. Results: A total of 476 subjects were included in the analysis. The mean (SD) age of the study population was 38.8 (17.8) years, and there were more females (85%) than males. The population had a mean (SD) score of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) of 6 (3.2), with 65% having the prevalence of poor sleep quality (defined as PSQ ≥ 5; n = 311). The mean (SD) score for Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) was 6.9 (5.2), with 55 subjects (11.5%) having clinical insomnia (defined as ISI ≥ 15); of whom 9% had severe clinical insomnia. There were positive correlations between PSQI and ISI (r = 0.76, p < 0.001), PROMIS fatigue scale (r = 0.53, p < 0.001), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) (r = 0.46, p < 0.001), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) (r = 0.44, p < 0.001). The PSQI was inversely correlated with the John Henryism Active Coping Scale (JHACS) and memory scale. In the multivariate regression model, JHACS, ISI, fatigue, PSS and GAD-7 were significant predictors of PSQI, and these variables accounted for 62% of the variance of PSQI, adjusted for age and gender. Conclusion: An important contribution to the literature is made by this research, which demonstrates the significant prevalence of poor sleep quality and its association with insomnia and other mental and physical well-being. It also underlines the need to prioritise policy and public health efforts to address sleep issues that have substantial health and economic effects for both individuals and the population at large.

Background: Lung Ultrasound (LUS) had proved to be beneficial in detecting respiratory disorders at the bedside. Understanding the important role of Respiratory Therapists (RTs) in the critical care, we aimed to assess their knowledge, perceived relevance of LUS to clinical practice, current skill gaps, and barriers to practice. Methods: A cross-sectional, nationwide survey conducted among the RTs working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The validated questionnaire included 4 sections; the demographics, knowledge and perceptions, applicability and self-reported proficiency, and barriers to the use of LUS by RTs. Results: A total of 256 RTs across different regions of Saudi Arabia participated in this survey. 71.9% of them were males, and 46.1% of the participants were having <5 years of working experience. Only (18.1%) of the participants used LUS in their clinical practice, and (43%) of them had never received any training. 66% of the participants perceived LUS as an effective tool in the RT practice and immensely valuable in their daily practice (70%). A large proportion of RTs perceived LUS to be ineffective in calculating the lung score (50.4%), assessing the diaphragm (40.2%), and detecting pulmonary edema (38.3%). Calculating lung score has a lower mean score of 2.55 on both skills, and identifying its applicability to clinical practice with a mean score of 2.71 than other indications. Lack of training and curriculum (154/256; 60.2%) remains the top barrier that prevented RTs from using LUS in their clinical practice. Conclusion: While many RTs in Saudi Arabia perceived LUS as an effective tool in the RT practice, considerable competence gap exist, indicating the need for LUS training. There is a need for incorporating LUS into the curriculum of RT schools and promoting competency-based training for the current RT workforce to help improve patient care.

Background: Despite recent advancements in the respiratory care (RC) profession, no single institution in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) offers a master's degree program in RC.Methods: A nationwide and validated survey was used to explore the current needs and interests in establishing RC master's degree programs in the KSA. The process included representatives from the healthcare industry, universities, and professional societies.Results: A total of 1250 stakeholders across the KSA completed the survey. The sample includes 722 (58%) males, 504 (40%) respiratory therapists, 547 (44%) students, 138 (11%) leaders, and 61 (5%) were academic respondents. Most respondents were from Central 491 (39%) and Eastern 307 (25%) regions, with 1003 (80%) of the total sample worked or studied in governmental sectors. A total of 574 (82%) of the leaders and RTs had Bachelor degree and 430 (61%) of them had 1-5 years working experience. According to 80% of the employers and employees, only 0-5% of the RTs in their organization had a master's degree. The calculated mean % of the agreement (agree/strongly agree) on the needs was 83% in all needs' assessment items, which shows a great support for establishing a master's in RC to meet the personal, professional and society needs. The mean % of the agreement for the level of interests among all participants was 86%, indicating a great level of interests in establishing a master degree in RC. The agreement % on the needs assessment and level of interests in establishing a master degree in RC in KSA were >= 80% in each stakeholder group.Conclusion: There are obvious needs and interests in establishing master's degree programs in RC in the KSA. A master's degree in RC should be established to address the growing needs for advanced RC services throughout the nation and enhance RC research.

Introduction There is no standard methodology for outlining the intricacies of allied healthcare education (AHE) or its quality. The profound misconception is that quality assurance (QA) in AHE is used on a "voluntary" basis. Given the absence of statutory regulatory mechanisms such as accreditation, validation, and audit by the peripheral agencies concerning QA, adoption of QA measures in AHE is not consistent, and it results in producing a subpar allied health workforce. This paper analyzes the need to include QA measures as an essential domain in evaluating the effectiveness of allied health professional education programs. Method A large database search was performed using pertinent terms, and a blueprint was developed for a meticulous literature review published between 2015 and 2021. Five hundred eighty-two articles were found and screened; a critical appraisal was performed for 22 peer-reviewed articles for relevant information. Results The literature review identified the need to use academic domains such as leadership, planning, delivery, and feedback as QA criteria to evaluate the efficiency of education and training in allied health professional education programs. Instructors and facilitators for specific knowledge and skill development and a description of their roles should also be used in QA evaluation. Conclusion Resources for effective learning and teaching in the allied healthcare domain are limited. This review highlights the significant need to include a QA system in AHE, considering the pivotal role of these students in supporting humankind, now and in the future. The findings contribute to the research by providing essential insights into current trends and focusing on existing research in AHE quality.

Background The COVID-19 pandemic and associated preventative measures introduced a shock to the teaching paradigm in Saudi Arabia and the world. While many studies have documented the challenges and perceptions of students during the COVID-19 pandemic, less attention has been given to higher education staff. The aim of the present investigation is to evaluate the staff’s perception and experiences of online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods A validated survey was conducted between December 2021 and June 2022 in Saudi Arabian Universities to assess the status of online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic among faculty members. The collected responses were exploratively and statistically analyzed. Results A total of 1117 response was received. About 66% of the respondents were male and 90% of them hold postgraduate degree. Although rarely or occasionally teach online pre-COVID-19, only 33% of the respondents think the transition was difficult and 55% of them support the move. Most respondents received adequate training (68%) and tools (80%) and 88% of the respondents mentioned that they did not accrue additional workload in online study design. While the perception of online teaching was mostly positive (62%) with high satisfaction (71%). However, 25% of the respondents reported that a poor internet bandwidth was an obstacle and 20% was unable to track students’ engagement. Respondents with more years of experience, previous training, support, or perceived online transition as easy were also more likely to be satisfied with the process. Also, older respondents, those who support the transition and those with previous training were less likely to report barriers (all p < 0.001). Conclusion The perception and experience of transition to online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia were positive. Low internet bandwidth and inability to track students’ limited effective online teaching. Work experience, previous training, and positive perception are the main factors that influence staff online teaching satisfaction.