Dynamics and Impacts of Surgical Specialization in Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction:

The prevalence of surgical specialization has been on the rise in healthcare systems globally. Still, there is a scarcity of study regarding the dynamics and consequences of surgical specialization within the healthcare system of Saudi Arabia. The objective of this study is to examine historical data in order to explore trends in surgical specialty and their correlations with doctor and patient outcomes in Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

The study utilized a retrospective analysis of datasets encompassing data from 563 surgical procedures conducted in Saudi Arabia. The variables encompass the type of surgery, the medical intervention employed, the qualifications and availability of the clinician, patient satisfaction ratings, and the involvement of specialists. Descriptive statistics provide an analysis of patterns. Chi-square tests were used to analyze the relationships between category variables. The associations between continuous variables were investigated using correlation and regression techniques.

Results:

The results indicate that the most often performed surgeries were general surgeries, accounting for 30.4% of all surgeries, followed closely by orthopedic surgeries, which accounted for 29.3%. There was a gradual increase in the participation of specialists throughout time. The level of patient satisfaction exhibited a significant positive link with the provision of specialist treatment (r=.068) and the qualifications of the doctor (r=.098). The regression analysis revealed that patient satisfaction was most accurately predicted by the type of operation, the availability of specialists, and the qualifications of the doctor (R2=1). The one-way ANOVAs revealed significant variations in patient ratings and satisfaction, depending on the availability of specialists and the competence of doctors.
Conclusion:

The findings suggest that there has been a trend towards greater surgical specialization in Saudi Arabia in the last ten years. Specialized healthcare, increased doctor qualifications, and greater availability of specialists were consistently linked to higher levels of patient satisfaction and ratings. The evidence indicates that the focus on surgical specialty in Saudi Arabia has resulted in improved healthcare outcomes. Continued endorsement of specialized training could potentially enhance the caliber of surgical care