Considering simulation training to ensure patient safety for expert anesthesiologists over the age of 60 in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Assessing older anesthesiologists' attitudes and knowledge regarding simulation training as part of their reemployment process in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. To assess their perception and understanding of how they think about simulation training during the recontracting process to ensure safe practice and patient safety.The research team conducted a nonrandomized study with elderly anesthesiologists in five health facilities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from June 2018 to February 2019. We created a written format for a self-administered questionnaire; seventy responses were obtained from these anesthesiologists by using this survey. 77.14% of aged anesthesiologists performed clinical work and were on call for twenty-four hours. The process of reemployment varied. However, 37% of the anesthesiologists received the opportunity for reemployment through a recommendation from the department head. In addition, 79% of anesthesiologists felt that simulation should be introduced in either medical education or continuing education to identify and mitigate age-related problems. Elderly anesthesiologists in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, are still fully involved in patient care and their duties, and they believe that simulation helps identify and mitigate age-related issues when it comes to their practice as medical professionals. Therefore, we believe it is time to reevaluate the reemployment process and consider simulation as an objective assessment tool to uncover incompetence, optimize skills, and help anesthesiologists plan for their future clinical careers. Further studies are also needed to cover all regions in the kingdom Saudi Arabia.