Building a Strong Healthcare Ecosystem: Collaboration and Expertise of Nurses and Technicians in Mental Health and Primary Care in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The purpose of this essay is to explore the importance of collaboration among professionals who work in mental health and primary care. It outlines the main roles within the Saudi healthcare ecosystem: those of the nurse and the technician, describes the healthcare environment and the main issues that simultaneously challenge these professions, as well as mentioning the numerous ways in which they can, in turn, offer more to those who are currently suffering. The essay is designed primarily for a Saudi Arabian audience and for nephrology nurses, but the main concepts described in the essay are generally suitable for a number of different clinical and healthcare settings.
The core of this essay is the argument that by working collaboratively with others, and by sharing expert practical knowledge, nurses and technicians can make a significant change to the lives of those who find themselves in their care. Based upon an explanation of the present state of the healthcare ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, the essay outlines the main roles of the Saudi nurse and outlines some of the main nursing roles present in the Kingdom, particularly those that work to improve conditions for those suffering from long-term conditions. It also describes the nursing care in Saudi Arabia’s Primary Care and Mental Health services. In particular, the essay outlines some of the challenges faced by nurses currently working in Saudi Arabia.
The healthcare ecosystem in Saudi Arabia is comprised of various professions, who play their complementary role as part of a single, caring whole. The nurse in a psychiatric hospital will care for the patient who is suffering from some form of illness that affects their mental stability, but the nurse will also offer empathy and support to their family and friends. The family technician who works in primary care will follow the blood pressure of hypertensive patients, spending time experimenting to find the most suitable dosages, seeking the views and voluntary collaboration of their patients, and will also work with the school teacher to establish healthy habits that are of benefit to the entire family and community that surrounds it, and will work with the social worker to mediate disagreements and take action when an entire family is unable to reconcile with itself. In summary, the work of these professionals is at the core of our healthcare ecosystem, so they are in a position to make the most difference when things go wrong.