The Role of Nursing Technicians and Health Assistants in Improving Patient Safety and Quality of Care: A Systematic Review in the Context of Saudi Vision 2030

Abstract

The Saudi Vision 2030 strategic plan aims to transform the healthcare sector and improve patient outcomes through various initiatives, including the development of the healthcare workforce. Nursing technicians and health assistants play a crucial role in providing direct patient care and supporting the nursing workforce in Saudi Arabia. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the evidence on the role of nursing technicians and health assistants in improving patient safety and quality of care in the context of Saudi Vision 2030. A comprehensive search of PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases was conducted for studies published between 2010 and 2024. A total of 20 studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed using a narrative synthesis approach. The findings revealed that nursing technicians and health assistants contribute to various aspects of patient safety and quality of care, such as medication administration, patient monitoring, infection control, and patient education. However, several challenges were identified, including the lack of standardized training and competency assessment, role ambiguity and overlapping responsibilities, limited career advancement opportunities, and inadequate supervision and support. The implications for nursing practice and policy included the need for developing a national framework for the education, regulation, and integration of nursing technicians and health assistants in the healthcare system, promoting interprofessional collaboration and teamwork, and providing ongoing training and professional development opportunities. The review highlights the importance of recognizing and optimizing the contributions of nursing technicians and health assistants in achieving the patient safety and quality of care goals of Saudi Vision 2030.