Enhancing Patient Care in Long-Term Care Facilities: An Interdisciplinary Approach Integrating Pharmacy, Social Work, and Health Administration in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Long-term care facilities in Saudi Arabia face numerous challenges in providing comprehensive and high-quality patient care, particularly in the context of an aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. This study aims to explore the potential of an interdisciplinary approach that integrates pharmacy, social work, and health administration in enhancing patient care in long-term care facilities in Saudi Arabia. A comprehensive literature review 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 importance of an interdisciplinary approach in improving medication management, psychosocial support, and organizational efficiency in long-term care facilities. The review also identifies the challenges and opportunities for implementing an interdisciplinary approach in the Saudi Arabian context, such as the need for training and education, the integration of technology, and the promotion of interprofessional collaboration. The study provides recommendations for policy, practice, and research to support the adoption and evaluation of an interdisciplinary approach in long-term care facilities in Saudi Arabia, in line with the goals of Vision 2030 and the national healthcare transformation.