Exploring the Impact of Education on Medication Safety Practices Among Pharmacy Technicians and Health Assistants in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 Framework: A Review

Abstract

Medication safety is a critical component of healthcare quality and patient safety. In Saudi Arabia, the Vision 2030 framework emphasizes the importance of developing a skilled healthcare workforce to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare services. Pharmacy technicians and health assistants play a vital role in medication management and patient care, but their knowledge and practices related to medication safety may vary. This review aims to explore the impact of education on medication safety practices among pharmacy technicians and health assistants in Saudi Arabia within the context of the Vision 2030 framework. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted for studies published between 2010 and 2024, using keywords such as "medication safety," "pharmacy technicians," "health assistants," "education," "training," and "Saudi Arabia." A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The findings suggest that education and training programs can improve pharmacy technicians' and health assistants' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to medication safety, such as medication preparation, dispensing, monitoring, and patient education. However, the studies also identified various barriers to implementing medication safety practices, such as workload, time constraints, inadequate resources, and lack of interprofessional collaboration. The review highlights the need for standardized education and training programs, competency assessment, and continuing professional development for pharmacy technicians and health assistants in Saudi Arabia, aligned with the Vision 2030 goals. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term impact of education on medication safety outcomes and to identify best practices for integrating medication safety into the roles and responsibilities of pharmacy technicians and health assistants in Saudi Arabia.