Enhancing Public Health Services in Community Pharmacies: The Evolving Roles of Saudi Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians in Disease Prevention

Abstract

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 emphasizes the importance of preventive care and public health in achieving a thriving society. Community pharmacies are well-positioned to play a vital role in disease prevention and health promotion due to their accessibility, expertise, and trusted relationship with patients. This systematic review aims to explore the evolving roles of Saudi pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in enhancing public health services in community pharmacies, with a focus on disease prevention. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using relevant databases, and studies were selected based on pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of the included studies was assessed using standardized tools, and the data were extracted and synthesized using a narrative approach. The findings highlight the expanding scope of practice and contributions of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in providing preventive services, such as health education, screening, immunization, and disease management. The review also identifies the enablers and barriers to the implementation and utilization of these services, such as training, interprofessional collaboration, regulations, and patient acceptance. The study provides recommendations for policy, practice, and research to optimize the roles of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in enhancing public health services in community pharmacies in Saudi Arabia, in alignment with the Vision 2030 goals of disease prevention and health promotion.