Abazid RM, Almeman A, Sakr H, Eldesoky AF, Eissa HM, Alharbi TH, Altorbag AA, Smettei OA. Awareness of fitness to drive among cardiologists in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Med J 2019;
40:93-96. [PMID:
30617387 PMCID:
PMC6452615 DOI:
10.15537/smj.2019.1.23595]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives:
To assess the perception and awareness of cardiologists in Saudi Arabia about medical fitness to drive in different cardiovascular diseases.
Methods:
The study is a cross-sectional survey-based study between June 2018 and July 2018. Cardiologists were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire inquiring about awareness of driving fitness and educating patients regarding driving risks in specific cardiovascular conditions.
Results:
A total of 194 cardiologists completed the study survey; there were 30.4% consultants, 59.3% specialists, and 10.3% residents. Out of 195, 72% were aware of the existence of particular international driving regulations for cardiovascular diseases, whereas 28% were not aware. Although, no Saudi guidelines assessing fitness-to-drive are available, 11% of the participants claimed awareness of such regulations. Interestingly, we found that cardiologists had never or rarely educated their patients regarding the potential risks of driving: 49% in symptomatic angina, 47% when ejection fraction is ≤35%, 39% in symptomatic valvular diseases, 26% after cardioverter defibrillators implantation, and 23% after non-elective percutaneous coronary interventions.
Conclusion:
There is a lack of awareness among cardiologists in Saudi Arabia about international guidelines regarding medical driving fitness. This study highlights the necessity of formulating appropriate national driving regulations for cardiovascular diseases.
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