Saudi neurology residents' knowledge and attitudes toward intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND: Although intravenous (IV) thrombolysis is an effective treatment for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), it remains underused by neurologists worldwide. This study assessed the knowledge and attitudes toward IV thrombolysis in patients with AIS among neurology residents in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey was conducted using a sample of 81 neurology residents in and around Saudi Arabia. Statistical analysis included descriptive studies and Chi-square or Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Of the 81 respondents, 50 (61.7%) were males and 31 (38.3%) females. Regarding IV thrombolysis use in AIS patients; 61.7% thought that they would consider it, a vast majority about 72.8% showed positive attitudes toward performing IV thrombolysis for AIS patients, 69.1% thought that IV thrombolysis is safe, 79.0% did not think that they have good knowledge about IV thrombolysis, and 53.1% felt not confident about their ability to employ IV thrombolysis. Confidence with knowledge was associated with the residency stage (P = 0.000). Attitudes toward IV thrombolysis was found associated with sex (P = 0.044) and residency stage (P = 0.002). Residents from the central region were more likely to have positive attitudes (P = 0.043). CONCLUSION: The surveyed neurology residents showed a positive attitude towards the safety and use of IV thrombolysis for AIS patients. However, knowledge and confidence along with knowledge about the treatment are lacking. Therefore, theoretical and practical training is warranted to improve knowledge about IV thrombolysis.