Saudi Journal of Radiology
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Saudi Journal of Radiology

Volume 4, 2025 · Issue 1st Issue · Open Access · Double-blind Peer-review

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Original Research Article

Knowledge and Referral Patterns of Primary Care Physicians Regarding Interventional Radiology in Saudi Arabia (2025): A Cross-Sectional Survey

Sarah Althagafi1

1 King Fahad Hospital, Madinah, Saudi Arabia

https://doi.org/10.55038/dw3t8r20
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Abstract
Background and Aim: Interventional radiology (IR) offers minimally invasive, image-guided alternatives to surgery in areas like oncology, vascular disease, and trauma. However, its use remains limited, partly due to low awareness and referral rates by primary care physicians (PCPs). This study aims to evaluate the knowledge and referral practices of PCPs toward IR in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 250 PCPs across Saudi Arabia to evaluate their knowledge, educational exposure, referral practices, and perceived barriers related to IR. Participants were selected using stratified random sampling. The survey included multiple-choice questions addressing five areas: demographics, IR knowledge, IR education exposure, referral behavior, and perceived barriers. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses, such as chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression, were employed to analyze the data. Results: Most respondents were male (64.8%) and aged 30–39 years (43.2%), with nearly half working in Ministry of Health primary care centers. Only 29.6% rated their IR knowledge as good or excellent, and 37.6% had received formal IR education. Although 76.4% correctly identified common IR procedures, only 22.4% reported high confidence in referring patients to IR. Major barriers included a lack of IR knowledge (35.2%) and limited access to services (29.6%). Physicians with high IR knowledge were significantly more likely to refer patients (p < 0.001). Logistic regression showed that high knowledge (aOR = 3.41, p < 0.001) and formal IR education (aOR = 2.27, p = 0.003) were strong predictors of referral. Conclusion: Primary care physicians in Saudi Arabia demonstrate variable awareness of IR, with knowledge gaps contributing to low referral rates. Educational interventions and improved referral infrastructure are urgently needed to optimize IR integration into primary care and enhance patient outcomes.
KeywordsKnowledge assessmentprimary care physiciansInterventional radiologySaudi Arabia

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