Cultura

A Critical Review Of Healthcare Assistant Impact On Patient Outcomes, Workflow Efficiency, And Nursing Support In Saudi Hospitals And Primary Care

VOLUME 22, 2025

The Role of Targeted Infra-popliteal Endovascular Angioplasty to Treat Diabetic Foot Ulcers Using the Angiosome Model: A Systematic Review

VOLUME 6, 2023

Omar Alawi Ali Alsaiari, Awadh Abdullah Alsaiari, Mujib Ali Alhamami, Saeed Awadh Alsaiari, Rwis Ali Mohammed Alkarbi, Rakan Mabrouk Alkathierei, Ahmed Nasser Mubrark Alhamami, Noaf Mogbel A Alsaiery, Ali Own Salem Alsaiari

Abstract

Nursing technicians and healthcare assistants (HCAs) are assuming increasingly important roles in Saudi healthcare, playing a supporting role in the work of nurses with regards to patient care during the Vision 2030 reforms. This is a critical review of the literature published between 2020-2025 on the influence of HCAs on patient outcomes (e.g., safety, satisfaction), workflow (e.g., less administrative burden), and nursing (e.g., delegation, role clarity). Based on 32 studies, the results indicate positive outcomes: HCAs result in 20-46 per cent patient satisfaction and quality, 15-30 per cent workflow optimization, and increasing the nursing productivity by sharing tasks. Nevertheless, obstacles such as role ambiguity (presented in 70-85 percent of the research) and training gaps and urban-rural differences restrict effectiveness. Measures show moderate levels of knowledge improvement after the education (10-20%), and Saudi-specific results show cultural hierarchy. The most important studies are described in tables; the trends of impacts and obstacles are presented in graphs. The discussion criticizes the evidence bias against urban environments, irregularities in implementation, and suggestions include recommendations on standardised training, role clarification policy and integration of multidisciplines. As a review highlights, HCAs have the potential to further equitable, efficient care in Saudi hospitals and primary care, which fits the objectives of HSTP towards sustainable outcomes.

Keywords : Healthcare assistants, nursing technicians, patient outcomes, workflow efficiency, nursing support, Saudi hospitals, primary care, Vision 2030, role clarity, task delegation, quality improvement, cultural barriers, multidisciplinary care.
Erin Saricilar
Lecture in accounting. University of Basrah, College of Administration and Economics, Department of Accounting.

Abstract

Atherosclerotic disease significantly impacts patients with type 2 diabetes, who often present with recalcitrant peripheral ulcers. The angiosome model of the foot presents an opportunity to perform direct angiosome-targeted endovascular interventions to maximise both wound healing and limb salvage. A systematic review was performed, with 17 studies included in the final review. Below-the-knee endovascular interventions present significant technical challenges, with technical success depending on the length of lesion being treated and the number of angiosomes that require treatment. Wound healing was significantly improved with direct angiosome-targeted angioplasty, as was limb salvage, with a significant increase in survival without major amputation. Indirect angioplasty, where the intervention is applied to collateral vessels to the angiosomes, yielded similar results to direct angiosome-targeted angioplasty. Applying the angiosome model of the foot in direct angiosome-targeted angioplasty improves outcomes for patients with recalcitrant diabetic foot ulcers in terms of primary wound healing, mean time for complete wound healing and major amputation-free survival.
Keywords : Diabetic foot ulcer, angiosome, angioplasty