Abstract
Background: Interventional radiology (IR) is a clinical specialty that utilizes image guidance to perform minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. In the setting of rapid advances in the worldwide health care industry and healing arts, there has been a shift of the role of radiology from a peripheral entity to a much more involved, central core specialty. The aim of this study is to report the views of the level of awareness and knowledge of interventional radiology among medical students and medical interns in Saudi Arabia regarding their perception of IR.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among Medical students and interns in Saudi Arabia during the period from July to October 2018. An online questionnaire was used to assess level of awareness and knowledge of interventional radiology.
Results: A total of 71 participants from three different academic levels included in this study, 69% were female and 31% were male. Most of medical students and interns believe that their level of knowledge is poor. The source of respondents' information on IR was mostly radiology elective rotation followed by self-directed research, ward rounds and multidisciplinary meetings.
Conclusion: Steps such as education about interventional radiology and it is services me are required to improve the medical students and interns knowledge.