Commitment Of Physicians, Nursing Technicians, Sterilization Technicians, And Radiology Technicians To Sterilization Protocols And Their Link To Reducing Hospital- And Healthcare-Acquired Infections In The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia: Systematic Review

Abstract

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain a pressing challenge worldwide, with prevalence rates ranging from 5% to 12% in Saudi hospitals. These infections contribute to higher morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs, undermining the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of advancing patient safety and healthcare quality. Physicians, nursing technicians, sterilization technicians, and radiology technicians each play vital roles in preventing HAIs through adherence to sterilization protocols. This systematic review, conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, synthesized evidence from 22 studies published between 2018 and 2024 in Saudi Arabia and comparable Gulf countries. The findings reveal that physician compliance with aseptic techniques reduces bloodstream infections by 40–60%, structured training programs for nursing technicians significantly decrease urinary tract infections, sterilization technicians’ adherence to autoclave monitoring lowers surgical site infections by up to 32%, and radiology technicians’ strict implementation of infection-control measures during imaging procedures reduces cross-contamination and improves patient safety outcomes. Collectively, interdisciplinary commitment across these professional groups amplifies the reduction of HAIs, underscoring the need for integrated infection-prevention strategies. Persistent challenges include variability in compliance, workload pressures, and limited continuous training. The review concludes that reinforcing sterilization practices through systematic education, routine audits, and leadership engagement is essential for sustaining patient safety. Future research should focus on intervention-based programs that integrate all four professional groups to enhance compliance and reduce HAIs in line with national policy priorities.