Perceived Knowledge, Clinical Skills, Self-Confidence, and Barriers Among Primary Health Care Physicians in...

Background Minor surgical procedures (MSPs) and intramuscular (IM) injections are important components of family medicine for managing dermatological and musculoskeletal conditions in primary care. Performing these procedures in primary healthcare centers can improve patient comfort, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance continuity of care. However, the practice of MSPs and IM injections among family physicians in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, remains limited, with barriers including insufficient training, inadequate facilities, and low self-confidence. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among family physicians working in Ministry of Health hospitals, primary healthcare, private sector, and other settings in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A convenience sampling approach was employed. Based on a total population of 872 physicians, the minimum required sample size was calculated as 267. A total of 269 completed responses were ultimately included in the analysis. Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire. The survey assessed demographics, perceived knowledge, skills, confidence, and perceived barriers related to performing MSPs and IM injections. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 31 (released 2025; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Results A total of 269 primary healthcare physicians participated (mean age 33.24 ± 6.58 years) with nearly equal gender distribution. About 52.8% reported receiving formal training in minor surgical procedures. Overall perceived knowledge was moderate. However, the frequency of performing MSPs and IM injections was generally low, with many physicians reporting they rarely or never perform these procedures. Confidence in procedural skills, such as suturing superficial wounds and abscess drainage, ranged from low to moderate. The most commonly reported barriers were lack of training (n=184; 68.4%), lack of time (n=171; 63.6%), and lack of equipment (n=143; 53.2%). Workshops and hands-on training were the most frequently identified facilitators (n=209; 77.7%). Perceived knowledge showed a moderate positive correlation with confidence (ρ = 0.384, p < 0.01). Years of experience correlated moderately with perceived knowledge (ρ = 0.403, p < 0.001) and weakly with confidence (ρ = 0.165, p = 0.007). Conclusion Primary healthcare physicians demonstrated moderate perceived knowledge but limited confidence and practice in MSPs and IM injections. Structured hands-on training, improved workflow, adequate resources, and mentorship may help improve procedural capacity in primary care and reduce unnecessary specialist referrals.