To determine the level of knowledge and perception of clinical year medical students on surgical and invasive procedure protocols in Jazan University, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to explore the knowledge and perception of clinical year medical students at Jazan University regarding surgical and invasive procedure protocols. Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional design, targeting clinical students at Jazan University who were 18 years old and above. Data were collected through an online validated questionnaire distributed via social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Twitter, Telegram, and Snapchat. The questionnaire, previously evaluated in similar studies, covered key aspects of surgical protocols. The sample size was determined to be 350 participants, employing random sampling techniques. Results: The distribution of participants according to gender revealed that 56.0% were male. Descriptive statistics indicated a mean age of 23.05 years. Analysis of participants' responses to various surgical protocol items showed a high level of awareness among clinical-year medical students. For instance, a significant percentage (86.3%) acknowledged the importance of the surgical team operating on the correct patient with informed consent. Similarly, participants demonstrated awareness of preventing harm during anesthesia (92.0%) and recognizing life-threatening respiratory issues (93.4%). Significant associations were observed in certain protocol items concerning gender and age, adding depth to the understanding of factors influencing awareness levels. Conclusion: This study sheds light on the commendable awareness levels among clinical year medical students at Jazan University concerning surgical and invasive procedure protocols. The observed gender and age-related variations in awareness highlighted the need for tailored educational strategies to ensure a comprehensive understanding of these critical protocols.