Current developments of ambulatory pharmaceutical care in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction The evolving specialty of ambulatory care pharmacy practice under the clinical pharmacy profession in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has blossomed recently. It has provided patient‐centered care in multiple areas such as medication therapy management, anticoagulation, diabetes management, and immunization that advanced over the past two decades. In light of the Saudi Vision 2030, the ambulatory care pharmacy practice awaits tremendous opportunities with expected challenges that require consequential efforts and vigilant planning by clinical pharmacists and concerned governmental and non‐governmental bodies. Objectives Describe the current and future development of ambulatory care pharmacy services in KSA and propose a scheme for collaborative practice agreement (CPA). Methods This is a review written by a group of experts under the umbrella of the Saudi Society of Clinical Pharmacy (SSCP) to propose a structured strategy for building an ambulatory care pharmacy practice in KSA, describe the currently available services and training requirements, and suggest a scheme for CPA. Results and Conclusion The experts' vision support the ambulatory care pharmacy practice in KSA, recommends a framework and constructed elements for a unified and comprehensive CPA in the region. It emphasizes on the training and set requirements for pharmacists to be eligible to provide ambulatory care clinical pharmacy services in a defined care setting.

Ambulatory care hematology/oncology pharmacy services: A comprehensive review by the Saudi Oncology Pharmacy Assembly

“…2,3 In response to Saudi Vision 2030, ambulatory care pharmacy services have been undergoing significant changes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), notably transitioning pharmaceutical care services from an inpatient to an outpatient setting. 4,5 According to the Global Cancer Observatory report on the KSA in 2020, a total of 27,885 new cancer cases were reported, with a total mortality of 13 069 cases, representing an alarming public health threat to the KSA. 6 In 2020, the Saudi National Cancer Center documented breast cancer as the prevailing form of cancer, accounting for 2499 cases (constituting 17.8% of all cases), followed by colorectal cancer with 1729 cases (comprising 12.3% of all cases).…”

“…The HSTP was prompted by numerous obstacles confronting the health care system, including the proliferation of NCDs, which directly or indirectly account for an age‐standardized mortality of 562 per 100 000 population, placing KSA at 10% above the Gulf Cooperation Council average 2,3 . In response to Saudi Vision 2030, ambulatory care pharmacy services have been undergoing significant changes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), notably transitioning pharmaceutical care services from an inpatient to an outpatient setting 4,5 …”