Expanding the Role of Nursing Technicians in Chronic Disease Management: A Focus on Diabetes and Cardiovascular Care in KSA Healthcare Facilities
Main Article Content
Abstract
Chronic diseases, particularly diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, pose a significant burden on healthcare systems worldwide, including in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). As the prevalence of these conditions continues to rise, it is crucial to explore innovative strategies to improve chronic disease management and patient outcomes. This systematic review aims to investigate the potential for expanding the role of nursing technicians in chronic disease management, with a focus on diabetes and cardiovascular care in KSA healthcare facilities. A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL, was conducted to identify relevant studies published between 2010 and 2023. The search strategy employed a combination of keywords related to nursing technicians, chronic disease management, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and KSA. A total of 20 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The findings highlight the crucial contributions of nursing technicians in various aspects of chronic disease management, such as patient education, medication management, and care coordination. Key factors influencing the effectiveness of nursing technicians in chronic disease management include training and education, interprofessional collaboration, and organizational support. The review also identifies challenges and barriers to expanding the role of nursing technicians, such as limited resources, scope of practice restrictions, and inadequate recognition. The findings of this review have significant implications for nursing practice, education, and policy in KSA, emphasizing the need for strategic initiatives to support the integration of nursing technicians into chronic disease management teams and optimize their contributions to patient care.