Knowledge and Behavior toward Venous Thromboembolism Event Prophylaxis and Treatment Protocols among Medical Interns in Riyadh

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at evaluating the knowledge and behavior toward venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis among medical interns. METHODS: This is a questionnaire-based cross-sectional observational cohort study of medical interns that used a validated questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised of items that assessed behavior, knowledge, and self-assessment of VTE risk factors, diagnosis, and prophylaxis. The study was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from October 2020 till September 2021. RESULTS: The respondents were 246 medical interns. The overall rate of correct responses to behavior items was 41.82%. The overall rate of correct responses to knowledge items was 47.35%. A total of 61.8% responded negatively to the use of VTE risk assessment guidelines (p < 0.0001). For the self-assessment of knowledge of VTE, more than 70% believed they did not have appropriate knowledge, were not prepared to establish the risk of VTE, and were not prepared to provide adequate prophylaxis for VTE (p < 0.0001). A high proportion of medical interns (83.3%, p < 0.0001) believed they needed further training on this topic. CONCLUSION: Participants in this study showed poor knowledge and negative behavior regarding the assessment of risk factors, diagnosis, and prophylaxis of VTE. The majority of participants reported they needed training on this topic. These findings underscore the need for educational programs during undergraduate training and orientation of medical interns for VTE risk assessment, diagnosis, and prophylaxis at the beginning of their internship.