THE ROLE OF HEALTHCARE STAFF IN HEALTH INSTITUTIONS IN THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA IN ENHANCING INFECTION CONTROL

Abstract

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) pose a significant threat to patient safety and healthcare quality worldwide. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, healthcare workers play a crucial role in implementing and improving infection control practices. This paper explores the application of Human Factors Engineering (HFE) principles to enhance healthcare staff's capacity to reduce HAIs in Saudi Arabian healthcare institutions. The discussion focuses on three critical areas: hand hygiene adherence, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and central line maintenance. Evidence from the literature demonstrates that infection control challenges in these domains are multifactorial, spanning cognitive, behavioral, environmental, organizational, and technological aspects. HFE offers a systems-oriented approach to address these challenges by aligning infection control initiatives with ergonomic design, clear protocols, effective training, and organizational support. In the context of Saudi Arabia's diverse healthcare landscape and ongoing transformation under Vision 2030, integrating HFE principles into national policies, institutional protocols, and frontline practices is essential for empowering healthcare workers and advancing the Kingdom's commitment to world-class healthcare delivery. The success of infection control efforts in Saudi Arabian healthcare facilities depends on the collaboration between clinical expertise and systems thinking rooted in HFE. Future initiatives should build upon this synergy to ensure that infection control practices are resilient, sustainable, and tailored to the unique needs of the Saudi healthcare context.