Minor surgical procedures in primary care in Bahrain: Attitudes, barriers, and implications

Minor surgical procedures (MSPs) are integral to the primary health care, offering efficient and cost-effective treatment for common ailments. This study investigates the current state of MSPs within local health centres in Bahrain, exploring primary care physicians' (PCPs) attitudes toward these procedures and identifying the challenges they face.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 367 PCPs in Bahrain using a validated questionnaire. The questionnaire explored PCPs' demographics, their attitudes toward performing MSPs, the frequency of performing MSPs, and perceived barriers to conducting these procedures.

The study revealed that 75.1% of PCPs in Bahrain perform MSPs. While most PCPs expressed a positive attitude towards performing MSPs and recognised their benefits to the patients, several barriers were identified. Lack of training (90.5%), lack of clinical experience (78.6%), and insufficient time (72.6%) were perceived as the most significant obstacles. Female physicians reported facing significantly higher barriers compared to males.

This study highlights the need for greater support for PCPs performing MSPs in Bahrain. Addressing barriers such as the lack of training, time constraints, and concerns about complications through targeted interventions, including enhanced training programs and the provision of dedicated time and resources, can empower PCPs to confidently expand their scope of practice and deliver comprehensive patient-centred care.