The Role of Nursing and Laboratory professionals in Improving Screening Accessibility and Quality: A Systematic Review of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 Implementation

Abstract

The Saudi Vision 2030 strategic plan aims to transform the healthcare system and improve population health outcomes through various initiatives, including expanding access to preventive services and enhancing the quality of screening programs. Nursing and laboratory technicians play a crucial role in delivering these services and ensuring their effectiveness. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the evidence on the role of nursing and laboratory technicians in improving screening accessibility and quality in Saudi Arabia, in the context of the Vision 2030 implementation. A comprehensive search of PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases was conducted for studies published between 2016 and 2024. A total of 30 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed using a narrative synthesis approach. The findings revealed that nursing and laboratory technicians contribute to various aspects of screening programs, such as patient education, sample collection, result interpretation, and follow-up. However, several challenges were identified, including the lack of standardized training and competency assessment, limited resources and infrastructure, and inadequate coordination and communication among healthcare providers. The implications for practice and policy included the need for developing a national framework for the education, regulation, and integration of nursing and laboratory technicians in the healthcare system, investing in technology and innovation to enhance screening efficiency and accuracy, and promoting interprofessional collaboration and patient-centered care. The review highlights the importance of recognizing and optimizing the contributions of nursing and laboratory technicians in achieving the screening-related goals of Saudi Vision 2030.