Microbiological Surveillance And Nursing Intervention Protocols: A Systematic Review Of Laboratory-Nursing Collaborative Approaches To Antimicrobial Resistance In Saudi Healthcare Facilities

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance represents a critical public health challenge in Saudi Arabia, necessitating coordinated approaches between laboratory surveillance systems and nursing intervention protocols. This systematic review examines the collaborative frameworks between clinical microbiology laboratories and nursing professionals in addressing antimicrobial resistance within Saudi healthcare facilities. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed literature published between 2006 and 2021 was conducted, focusing on microbiological surveillance programs, antimicrobial stewardship initiatives, infection control practices, and interprofessional collaboration models. The review identified substantial gaps in laboratory-nursing integration, limited knowledge regarding antimicrobial resistance among nursing personnel, and fragmented implementation of stewardship programs across Saudi healthcare institutions. Multidrug-resistant organisms, including carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, constitute persistent challenges requiring systematic surveillance and coordinated intervention strategies. Effective collaborative approaches necessitate structured communication protocols, enhanced educational programs, and institutionalized frameworks that position nurses as active participants in antimicrobial stewardship rather than passive implementers of physician directives. This review underscores the imperative for policy-level interventions that formalize laboratory-nursing partnerships and establish evidence-based protocols tailored to the Saudi healthcare context.