Integrating Preventive Health Programs in Long-Term Care: Collaborative Roles of Nursing, Laboratory, and Medical Secretary Staff in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Long-term care (LTC) facilities in Saudi Arabia face mounting challenges as the country experiences demographic shifts toward an aging population with increased chronic disease burden. Preventive health programs represent a strategic approach to enhance resident health outcomes while optimizing healthcare resource utilization. This comprehensive review examines the integration of preventive health initiatives within Saudi LTC settings, with particular focus on the collaborative roles of nursing, laboratory, and administrative staff. The analysis reveals that successful preventive programs require systematic coordination across professional domains, supported by appropriate organizational structures and information systems. Nursing staff contribute through comprehensive assessment, early detection, health education, and program implementation. Laboratory professionals provide essential diagnostic screening, monitoring, trend analysis, and quality assurance functions. Medical secretaries facilitate administrative coordination, information management, and communication across the care continuum. Implementation challenges include workforce constraints, coordination barriers, information system limitations, organizational priorities, and cultural considerations specific to the Saudi context. The review proposes an integrated implementation framework addressing governance structures, interdisciplinary protocols, workforce development, information systems, and quality monitoring mechanisms. Specific recommendations include establishing preventive care committees, developing standardized assessment protocols, implementing collaborative care pathways, enhancing professional education, strengthening information systems, engaging families and communities, and creating appropriate evaluation frameworks. By leveraging the complementary capabilities of nursing, laboratory, and administrative staff within a collaborative model, Saudi LTC facilities can develop more effective preventive health programs that enhance resident outcomes, reduce complication rates, and optimize resource utilization across the healthcare system.