Attitudes and Perceptions of Health Leaders for the Quality Enhancement of Workforce in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background and Aim: Besides the unique exposure and experience of health leaders in facing challenges and overcoming them, and the relatively fewer articles relating to the perception of health leaders in workforce quality enhancement, health leadership plays a crucial role in redirecting the workforce, increasing job satisfaction, professional development, and burnout prevention. Thus, this study aimed to understand the current healthcare workforce quality and future expectations from the attitudes and perceptions of health leaders. Methods: A qualitative research was carried out using semi-structured interviews consisting of 24 different questions. Participants of the study were healthcare leaders from different backgrounds and governmental institutions. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and then analyzed using thematic analysis via the N-Vivo program. Results: Eleven participants were involved in the study, with one female and ten males. A thematic analysis and N-Vivo program yielded 5 main themes: (1) workforce competency, (2) health transformation, (3) leadership, (4) workforce planning, and (5) healthcare quality, with 22 emerging sub-themes. Moreover, participants responded with different attitudes and perceptions. Conclusion: Health leaders are satisfied with the current direction of workforce competency and planning, yet fragmentation of the system and poor accessibility may need further enhancement. Furthermore, misutilization of services and the uncertainty of the future and talent pool are potential barriers for capability building. Moreover, with the existing gap in the workforce, health leaders believe that privatization and corporatization may have a positive effect. Aside from that, Saudization with the current plan of having a minimum standard of accepting non-Saudis in certain areas might benefit in maintaining competition and enriching experience. However, catching up with further research in healthcare quality in Saudi Arabia is needed because of the ongoing health transformation.

Cardiology pharmacy practice in Saudi Arabia: Historical evolution, current status, and future directions

“…Different government policymakers are working to create a unified national platform that includes a detailed dynamic breakdown of all healthcare specialties, including cardiology clinical pharmacists, to assist researchers, workforce planners, and other entities in forecasting demand and supply. 29 The fourth challenge is the need for a national competency framework that governs this specialty's structure. That being said, in 2022, the SSCP released its consensus regarding the major competencies for clinical pharmacists practicing in Saudi Arabia.…”

“…Along with the lack of accurate international benchmarks to drive the field's national workforce, this may hinder external assessments of the demand and provision of data‐driven solutions. Different government policymakers are working to create a unified national platform that includes a detailed dynamic breakdown of all healthcare specialties, including cardiology clinical pharmacists, to assist researchers, workforce planners, and other entities in forecasting demand and supply 29 …”