Impact of Saudi Regulatory Policies on Patient Safety in dispensing Medications from private Pharmacies: A Comprehensive Literature Review for Role of Private Service Sector
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63278/jicrcr.vi.813Keywords:
Medication Dispensing, Patient Safety, Regulatory Compliance, Private Pharmacies, Saudi Arabia, Adverse Drug Reactions, Error Reporting, Pharmacist Training, Systematic ReviewAbstract
Background: In Saudi Arabia, the private pharmacies are a critical concern in patients’ safety in medication dispensing. Inconsistencies in policy adherence and patient safety practice persist despite the introduction of regulatory policies designed to reduce ADRs, medication errors, and improve patient counseling. To examine the enterprise impact of these regulatory policies, this review examines compliance, error reporting, and counseling effectiveness.
Aim: The purpose of the review is to examine the extent to which Saudi regulatory policies have improved patient safety in private pharmacies. Objectives are to identify implementation challenges of policy, provide training and resource gaps assessment, as well as suggest improvements to safer dispensing practice.
Method: Studies from 2020 to 2024 were identified through a systematic search in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. 10 studies that met the inclusion criteria were then identified using a multi-stage screening process. Themes focused on regulatory compliance, patient counseling, error reporting, and pharmacist training were data extraction themes. A rigorous review ensued by following the PRISMA guidelines.
Results: Areas of focused education on topics related to patient safety include inconsistent regulatory compliance, suboptimal counseling, underuse of error reporting systems and deficiencies in pharmacist training. Policies impact patient safety positively however enforcement and monitoring are absent. Findings suggested the need to enhance counseling, increase ADR and errors reporting rates and enhance continuous pharmacists training. The lack of clear guidelines, and resource limitations diminish policy effectiveness.
Conclusion: A multi facet approach is needed in order to improve patient safety in Saudi private pharmacies. Better compliance requires stronger policy enforcement, improved training programs and overcoming institutions. Incentives for error reporting, structured counseling protocols and a culture of continuing learning can make a huge difference in actual safety outcomes. Safe practical dispensing requires a supportive regulatory framework with adequate resources.
