Key result
The utilization of cardiopulmonary exercise testing in Saudi Arabian medical centers increased by 14.1% over two decades, though 71.9% of centers still do not utilize it.
Why the study?
To assess the prevalence and barriers of CPET usage among major hospitals and medical centers in Saudi Arabia, and compare findings with data from nearly 2 decades ago.
Cross-Sectional (n=52)
Yes
Despite a 14.1% increase over two decades, CPET utilization in Saudi Arabia remains low, primarily limited by a lack of equipment and trained technicians.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
CPET remains underutilized in Saudi centers with persistent equipment barriers; leaves open need for implementation studies to boost adoption.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) usage and identify barriers among major hospitals and medical centers in Saudi Arabia. We also aim to compare these findings with data from nearly 2 decades ago. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 70 major hospitals and medical centers were contacted, and 52 (74.2%) responded. The participants involved in this study were healthcare providers proficient in carrying out CPET from different specialties. The survey comprised 21 items covering CPET utilization, exercise mode characteristics, common protocols, types of patients or disorders, and barriers to not carrying out CPET. RESULTS: The majority (n=37; 71.9%) of the centers reported a lack of CPET utilization. Of the 15 centers that used CPET, only 11 carried out regular CPET. Cardiac-related conditions were the most commonly referred clinical cases (n=7), followed by pulmonary conditions and cardiopulmonary fitness. The common barriers to carrying out CPET have remained unchanged compared to 2 decades ago - that is, the lack of equipment or trained technicians. However, there has been a 14.1% increase in the utilization of CPET and a 10.1% increase in the use of treadmill mode compared to a survey carried out 2 decades ago. CONCLUSION: Although CPET utilization has increased over 2 decades, this still falls below the desired benchmark. This highlights the need for collaborative efforts among policymakers, and healthcare institutions to address barriers and improve CPET integration into clinical practice.
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Aldhahi et al. (2024) conducted a cross-sectional in Cardiopulmonary exercise testing utilization (n=52). Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) utilization vs. Historical data from 2 decades ago was evaluated on Prevalence of CPET utilization (14.1% increase). The utilization of cardiopulmonary exercise testing in Saudi Arabian medical centers increased by 14.1% over two decades, though 71.9% of centers still do not utilize it.
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