Enhancing Geriatric Care in Saudi Arabia: The Synergistic Roles of Nursing Technicians and Specialists in Meeting Vision 2030 Aging Population Challenges

Abstract

The aging population in Saudi Arabia presents significant challenges for the healthcare system, particularly in the context of the Vision 2030 goals for improving the quality of life and well-being of older adults. Nursing technicians and specialists play critical roles in providing comprehensive and coordinated geriatric care, but their contributions and collaborations are often understudied. This systematic review aims to explore the synergistic roles of nursing technicians and specialists in enhancing geriatric care in Saudi Arabia and meeting the Vision 2030 aging population challenges. A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus, was conducted to identify relevant studies published between 2010 and 2023. The search strategy employed a combination of keywords related to nursing technicians, nursing specialists, geriatric care, aging population, and Saudi Arabia. A total of 19 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The findings highlight the diverse and complementary roles of nursing technicians and specialists in various aspects of geriatric care, such as assessment, care planning, treatment, education, and care coordination. Key factors influencing the effectiveness of nursing technician-specialist collaborations include communication, role clarity, mutual respect, and shared decision-making. The review also identifies challenges and barriers to the optimal utilization of nursing technicians and specialists in geriatric care, such as workforce shortages, inadequate training, and limited interprofessional collaboration. The findings of this review have significant implications for nursing practice, education, and policy in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need for strategic initiatives to support the development and empowerment of nursing technicians and specialists to meet the growing demands of the aging population and achieve Vision 2030 goals.