Public health education in Saudi Arabia: Needs and challenges

Abstract

In the last decade, public health (PH) has come to the frontlines in Saudi Arabia. The recent outbreak of a novel corona virus (MERS-CoV) highlighted the importance of PH services and the need for a competent PH workforce. The urgency and panic induced by infectious disease outbreaks explain the heightened interest. Decision makers' interest in public health was observed through a series of decisions, including creating a position for Deputy Minister for Public Health, changing the name of "Directorate of Primary Healthcare Centers" to "Directorate of Public Health" in all health regions and initiating a special scholarship program to prepare health administration professionals in collaboration with US-based universities. A distinguished group of PH leaders in Saudi Arabia was gathered in a structured workshop that was organized by the Al Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, college of medicine to discuss the current status and future needs of PH education in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The workshop highlighted the need for PH education development and outlined the challenges ahead. The main challenges laid out by participants in the workshop were the development of an appropriate PH curriculum, appropriate training spots for practical placement, the development of research priorities for PH to satisfy the needs of PH programs and agencies, attracting the most qualified academic staff, the enrolment of highly motivated students and finally, the establishment of a quality assurance program to ensure the quality of PH education programs. The development of a framework for graduate competencies in PH was perceived to be a top priority. Moreover, setting a PH workforce surveillance system, building partnership between PH academic institutions and PH services providers, implementing national campaigns to explain what PH is about and illuminating the role of PH workers were also of utmost importance.

Questionnaire-based analysis of infection prevention and control in healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia in regards to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome

“…There have been a number of infection outbreaks in Saudi Arabia in recent years, most significantly Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) [5][6][7][8]. Most outbreaks have occurred in government hospitals, consistent with the results of our study suggesting greater confidence and preparedness of staff in private hospitals compared to government hospitals.…”

“…A combination of advanced and basic infection control measures also reduced transmission of MERS-CoV to HCWs in a recent study in a tertiary care institution in Saudi Arabia [17]. However, for effective implementation of MOH-prescribed infection control and prevention measures, consultation of front-line employees is vital, and expectations of both management and employees should be clearly defined, communicated and understood [1,7]. Understaffing, frequent staff turnover, poor design and infrastructure of facilities and lack of education and training opportunities are factors that can impact on effective infection prevention and control [23].…”

“…The results of our study suggest that HCWs in Saudi Arabia are aware of limitations in infection control and prevention implementation, and of exacerbating factors in their institutions. Multiple steps are needed to facilitate staff in implementation of guidelines and policies and to improve awareness and compliance, for example on hand hygiene compliance in ICU units [7]. Thus, as evident from the responses of staff in our study, the approach to infection prevention and control measures should be multi-factorial and include ongoing provision of education and training, prominent reminders and reliable provision of the materials needed to implement the policies and guidelines, as well as the involvement and support of hospital management [7].…”

“…This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-ncnd/4.0/). illness associated with high mortality, caused by a new betacoronavirus strain, MERS-CoV [5][6][7][8].…”

“…However, in order for MOH-prescribed infection prevention and control measures to be effectively implemented in individual healthcare facilities and their constituent departments, clear direction must be given to employees. Expectations of both management and employees should be clearly defined, communicated and understood [1,7]. The objective of this questionnaire-based study was to gauge staff awareness of infection prevention and control policies and procedures in different healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia, including government hospitals, private hospitals and poly clinics.…”