Medical researchers are calling for targeted intervention, more training and dedicated resources to better equip primary care providers in Bahrain to conduct minor surgical procedures, according to a recently published study.
The ‘Minor surgical procedures in primary care in Bahrain: Attitudes, barriers, and implications’ study was recently published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care. The research was conducted by Health Ministry researchers Noor Almahdi, Maryam Sayyar, Noor S Najeeb, Fatema Almoallem, Huda Almahal, Hala Al Farra and Mohamed Mandeel.
“Minor surgical procedures (MSPs) are integral to the primary healthcare, offering efficient and cost‑effective treatment for common ailments,” researchers noted in the abstract for the study.
“This study investigates the current state of MSPs within local health centres in Bahrain, exploring primary care physicians’ (PCPs) attitudes towards these procedures and identifying the challenges they face.”
According to the Health Ministry, MSPs are procedures of short duration that usually require the application of local anesthesia and carry minimal risk of complication. These include wound suturing, circumcision, calluses and corn excision, cyst excision, ingrown toe nail, removal of skin tag, and intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) insertion.
The study, conducted in primary care health centres across Bahrain, was based on responses from 338 physicians across Bahrain.
Researchers found that 75.1 per cent of primary care physicians are performing MSPs.
“While most reported having training and access to facilities for minor surgical procedures, a notable proportion lacked protected time to perform them, highlighting a key operational gap despite sufficient qualifications and infrastructure,” researchers noted.
Male physicians demonstrated greater willingness to perform MSPs, while female physicians, who comprised 77.8pc of the sample, reported significantly higher barriers particularly around gynaecological procedures such as intrauterine device insertion.
“This gender disparity appears to be influenced by cultural sensitivity and religious considerations – a finding that adds new dimensions to our understanding of MSP implementation in conservative societies,” researchers noted.
While 72.6pc report insufficient time, 66.7pc expressed concerns about complications, 57.1pc cited staff shortages and 54.8pc were worried about legal complications.
Although 74.6pc of physicians reported receiving surgical training, 90.5pc identified lack of training as the primary barrier to performing MSPs.
“This apparent contradiction suggests that existing training programmes may not adequately address the practical needs of primary care providers,” researchers added.
The study also found that 92pc of respondents believe proper surgical training workshops would benefit them and their patients.
Researchers have recommended a multifaceted approach to address the concerns and needs of physicians.
Enhanced training programmes should include structured hands‑on training, integration of continuous professional development and special attention to gender‑specific training needs.
Meanwhile systemic support should include implementation of protected time for MSPs, adequate support staff and resources and development of clear protocols and guidelines.
A quality assurance regimen should also be implemented with surgical checklists and audits, registries to monitor outcomes and regular assessment of patient satisfaction.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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