Written by Yousef Ahmed Alomi*,
BSc. Pharm, MSc. Clin Pharm, BCPS, BCNSP, DiBA, CDE Critical care clinical pharmacists, TPN clinical harmacist, Freelancer Business Planner, ContentEditor, and Data Analyst, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA.
Abdulateef Sayed Elbadawi,
MD, Director of Preventive Medicine Program Executive Administration of Academic Affairs & Training, Tabuk Health Cluster, SAUDI ARABIA.
Abeer Hussin Almasoudi,
BSc.Pharm,BCPS., Director,Organizational Excellence, Ministry of Health Branch, Tabuk,SAUDI ARABIA.
Mohammed Omar Alsharif,
PharmD, Health Population Management Department, Ministry of Health Tabuk Branch, SAUDI ARABIA.
Hamad Shoei Bishi Zaybi,
Pharm.Technician Quality & Output Management, MOH Branch, Tabuk, SAUDI ARABIA.
Abstract
Objectives: This research aims to delve into the crucial topic of Infection Control policy in community pharmacy practice, presenting a novel initiative in Saudi Arabia that is of significant importance. Methods: This research is a narrative review of Infection Control policy in community pharmacies. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in databases, including PubMed, Medline and Google Scholar, to gather specific research policies and procedures in pharmacy practice. The search period is from the 1960s until October 2024. We focused on English terms such as narrative review, systemic review, Meta-analysis and guidelines and included all community pharmacy services in our search. We also considered local and international guidelines for general research in hospital practice. The pharmacy infection control committee was formulated and consisted of various expert members, including expert pharmacists, clinical pharmacists and infection control specialists. The guidelines of the policy draft were reviewed and corrected by committee members, with the third revision conducted by the research specialist. The topic of our research emphasizes the importance of community pharmacy infection control policy and procedures. Results: The community pharmacy infection control policy and procedures comprised various items. That has included the responsibility of community pharmacy infection control, setting up strategic and annual plans of community pharmacy infection control, the responsibility of community pharmacy infection control in a pharmacy setting, conducting education and training courses of pharmacy infection control, Setting up procedures for basic hygiene for pharmacy staff, environmental and workplace infection control, wastage and spill cleaning, staff immunization and occupational infection and Pharmacoepidemiology and infection control surveillance. Besides the quality management plan for pharmacy infection control and related key performance indicators. Conclusion: The community pharmacy infection control policy and procedures are not just a new initiative of primary patient care in pharmacy services but a crucial one. The policy adheres to patient safety standards, inhibits infectious diseases disseminated and prevents infection-related problems. Besides, pharmacists work in clean environmental areas and avoid economic burdens on the healthcare system. Therefore, the community pharmacy infection control policy and procedures, with their practical and feasible recommendations, are highly recommended for all community pharmacy settings in Saudi Arabia.
Keywords: Infection, Control, Policy, Pharmacy, Community, Saudi Arabia.