Do Our Colleagues Accurately Know What We Do?. Issue 2 (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mrad, Mohamed Amir; Al Qurashi, Abdullah A.; Mortada, Hatan; Shah Mardan, Qutaiba N. M.; Abuthiyab, Noorah; Al Zaid, Nura; Al Bakri, Hadeer; Mullah, Abdullah
• Is Part Of: Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Volume 10:Issue 2(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures -- Periodicals; 617.95205
• DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000004104
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2169-7574

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Plastic surgery is a unique field‚ and its scope is beyond a specific demographic group or anatomic part. The poor understanding and misconception about plastic surgeons' scope of practice has been well-established among the public, especially in Saudi Arabia; but the question is, do healthcare physicians share the same misconception? This study aims to answer this question. Methods: This study was conducted between September 11, 2021 and November 1, 2021. This is a cross-sectional, survey-based study utilizing a self-structured questionnaire targeting physicians in Saudi Arabia. Results: A total of 261 medical and surgical physicians participated in this study. Nearly 45% of them demonstrated a poor understanding of plastic surgery and its scope of practice, whereas only 16.1% were sufficiently knowledgeable. Male physicians were more likely to understand the field of plastic surgery when compared with female physicians. More than 80% of the physicians knew that cosmetic operations are done by plastic surgeons, whereas 50% or less knew that reconstructive operations are conducted by plastic surgeons. Conclusion: This study shows that 44.1% of the participating physicians demonstrate poor knowledge regarding plastic surgery as a field, in addition to a lack of understanding about the scope of practice of plastic surgeons. We recommend enhancing promotional efforts that raise awareness about the nature of plastic surgery as a specialty among healthcare physicians.