A Critical Review Of Optimizing The Patient Journey In Saudi Primary And Point-Of-Entry Care: A Review Of Interprofessional Workflows From Triage To Discharge

Abstract

To optimize the patient journey within Saudi primary health care and point of entry environments, coordination-based interprofessional workflows spanning the triage, assessment, treatment, and discharge are required. This review of the systems is a synthesis of evidence published in the period between 2020-24 in the context of Vision 2030 and the Health Sector Transformation Program on the interaction of the nurses with the physicians, allied health professionals, and administrative staff in the context of the care continuum. There is a review of 28 studies that found that there were still inefficiencies in the system especially long waiting times at the triage desk, which is usually between 30 and 60 minutes and disjointed discharge planning which leads to frequent revisions and lateness in follow up. Nevertheless, there is a number of interventions that have evident advantages. Electronic triage systems, organized case management, and common documentation systems were linked with the decrease in length of stay between 20 and 62 percent and significant declines in boarding time. Nonetheless, its application is not even. Deterrents that are common are strict professional hierarchies, lack of reporting workflow errors, and urban/rural PHC facility differences. Core workflow and staff roles are described in tables in the examined papers, whereas graphical information presents time-related metrics and prevalence of barriers as well as the quantifiable effect of interventions. The discussion brings to light gaps in the rural oriented studies and how hierarchies within the culture impact on teamwork. In general, standardized procedures, interprofessional training, and digital integration seem to be the viable steps towards more equal and efficient PHC in accordance with the national reform objectives.