Ratio Of Pharmacists Research Articles

Trends, Capacity Growth, and Current State of Community Pharmacies in Saudi Arabia: Findings and Implications of a 16-Year Retrospective Study.

Community pharmacies provide access to medicines and pharmaceutical services. Consequently, adequate availability and sufficient workforce capacity must be ensured for effective healthcare delivery. This study assessed the community pharmacy sector in Saudi Arabia, including density, workforce capacity, and evolution from 2007 to 2022. This retrospective study measured community pharmacy infrastructure and workforce capacity using international indicators and standardized measures, including community pharmacy and community pharmacist density per 10,000 people and ratio of community pharmacists per pharmacy. Several data sources and platforms were used to collect the data including the Ministry of Health, Saudi General Authority for Statistics, and Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. The number of community pharmacies increased by 89.30%, from 5466 in 2007 to 10,347 in 2022, and density increased from 2.25 to 3.22. However, density varied by region, from 3.97 to 1.95. The number of community pharmacists increased by 98.02%, from 10,932 in 2007 to 21,648 in 2022, and community pharmacist density increased from 4.51 to 6.73. However, the ratio of community pharmacists per pharmacy remained unchanged (2.0 in 2007 and 2.1 in 2022). Female pharmacists were first issued licenses to practice in community pharmacies in 2016, and the proportion of female pharmacists to total increased from 0.29% (n=42) in 2016 to 10.95% (n=2370) in 2022. The nationalization policy for community pharmacies was implemented in 2020, and the proportion of Saudi pharmacists increased from 3.08% (n=581) in 2019 to 19.90% (n=4306) in 2022, while proportion of expatriate pharmacists decreased from 96.92% (n=18,292) to 80.10% (n=17,342). The findings showed that the community pharmacy sector in Saudi Arabia recently experienced substantial growth comparable to high-income countries. However, further improvements are required in some regions to increase community pharmacy density. Moreover, the ratio of pharmacists per pharmacy should be improved to meet the healthcare system needs.

Primary Care Center Pharmacist’s Workforce in Eleven-Year 2006-2016 at Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia

Objective: The workforce of the pharmacist is one the elements of pharmacy strategic plan in Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study is to explore primary care centers pharmacist workforce in eleven years (2006-2016) at Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia. Methods: It is a retrospective analysis of eleven years (2006-2016) of MOH primary healthcare center (PCC) pharmacist workforce. All data were derived from Ministry of Health Statistical Year Books. It included a pharmacist or clinical pharmacist’s workforces at MOH primary healthcare centers. All calculations were based on MOH workforce standards of PCC. All calculations were done using Microsoft Excel version ten. The calculations were per each region for a total twenty-one regions; the primary health care center s distribution numbers, the pharmacist distribution numbers, the ratio of pharmacist per primary healthcare center, the gender distribution of Pharmacist per region, the gender distribution of Saudi Pharmacist per each region across Saudi Arabia. Result: The total numbers of hospitals were 276 hospitals, 2,325 primary care centers, and 20 administration regions. The total numbers of pharmacist were 3,520 distributed at hospital 2,760 (78.41 %), at primary care centers 430 (12.2 %) while administration regions 330 (9.37 %). The average numbers of primary care centers were (1,961.9) with a range number of (1,925-2,325), and the total number was (2,325). The average numbers of primary care center pharmacists were (10.29) with a range number of (131-430), and the total number was (430). The average gender distribution of all primary care center pharmacists included male 210.85 (50.85%) and female 203.83 (49.15%). The average nationality distributions of all primary care center pharmacists were Saudi 360 (97.43%) and non-Saudi 51.55 (2.57%). Conclusion: There is very high demand and a shortage of hospital and primary care center pharmacist at Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia. Pharmacy human resources plan should be implemented and necessary updating of pharmacist recruitment standards for hospital and primary care centers are important. Key words: Primary care center, Pharmacist, Workforce, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia.

The Demand of Hospital Pharmacist Workforce in Past Eleven Years (2006-2016) and Forecasting Future Fifteen Years (2016-2030) at all Healthcare Institutions in Saudi Arabia

<strong>Objective:</strong> To explore hospital pharmacist&rsquo;s workforce demand in past eleven years (2006-2016) and forecasting future fifteen years (2016-2030) at all hospitals of healthcare institutions in Saudi Arabia. <strong>Methods:</strong> It is a retrospective analysis of eleven years (2006-2016) of MOH hospital pharmacist workforce. All data were derived from Ministry of Health Statistical Year Books. It included pharmacist or clinical pharmacist&rsquo;s workforces at hospitals in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The type of hospital included having bed capacity 50-1500 beds with Adults public hospitals, pediatrics and maternity hospitals, Psychiatric hospitals, Diabetic centers, Cardiology centers, Oncology Centers, Renal Dialysis Centers, and Medical cities. All calculations based on MOH workforce standards of hospitals population increases annually. The calculations done per each region for a total of twenty-one regions, the hospital beds distribution numbers, the ratio of pharmacist per bed, total number of demand pharmacist per each sector, the expected number of pharmacist requirement in the coming years 2016-2030 per each sectors across Saudi Arabia. <strong>Result:</strong> The total number of hospitals were 466 in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 274 (58.8%) Ministry of Health hospitals, 152 (32.6%) private hospitals, and 40 (8.6%) non-MOH governmental hospitals. Over the eleven years, the average numbers of hospitals were (423.45) with a range number of (384-467), and the total number was (467). The average numbers of hospital beds were (60,779.55) with a range number of (54,719-70,844), and the total number was (70,844). The average numbers of pharmacists per hospital were (10.31) with a range number of (8.63-14.04). The total average demand hospitals were (7,750.64) with range (7,628.80-7,609.80) with total number demand was (7,609.80) hospital pharmacists. The total demand hospital pharmacists at all sectors by the year 2030 will be (36,645.87) with range (25,794- 36,645.87). <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The highest demand for hospital pharmacists will be at MOH hospital sectors because of the large numbers of hospitals and many serving the population. Revision of hospital pharmacists&rsquo; jobs is mandatory and sharing with private hospitals is the requirement. <strong>Key words:</strong> Hospital pharmacist, Workforces, Manpower, Ministry of health, Saudi Arabia.

Hospital Pharmacist Workforce in Eleven-Year 2006-2016 at Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia

Objective: The workforce of hospital pharmacist is one the elements of pharmacy strategic plan in Saudi Arabia. The purpose of this study is to explore hospital pharmacist’s workforce in eleven years (2006-2016) at Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia. Methods: It is a retrospective analysis of eleven years (2006-2016) of MOH hospital pharmacist workforce. All data were derived from Ministry of Health statistical yearbooks. It included pharmacist or clinical pharmacist’s workforces at MOH hospitals. The type of hospital included having bed capacity of 50-1500 beds with Adults public hospitals, pediatrics and maternity hospitals, Psychiatric hospitals, Diabetic centers, Cardiology centers, Oncology Centers, Renal Dialysis Centers, and Medical cities. All calculations were based on MOH workforce standards of hospitals. The calculations were per each region for a total of twenty-one regions; the hospital’s distribution numbers, the pharmacist distribution numbers, the ratio of pharmacist per hospital, the gender distribution of Pharmacist per region, the gender distribution of Saudi pharmacist per each region across Saudi Arabia. Result: The total numbers of hospitals were 276 hospitals, 2,325 primary care centers, and 20 administration regions. The total numbers of pharmacists were 3,520, distributed at hospital 2,760 (78.41 %), at primary care centers 430 (12.2 %) while administration regions 330 (9.37 %). The average numbers of hospitals were (251.36) with a range number of (220-274), and the total number was (274). The average numbers of hospital pharmacists were (1,617.55) with a range number of (636-2760), and the total number was (2760). The total gender distribution of all hospital pharmacists was male 1,077.4 (61.30%) and female 680.1 (38.70%). The total nationality distribution of all hospital pharmacists was Saudi 1342.03 (81.57%) and non-Saudi 303.26 (18.43 %(. Of Saudi primary care center pharmacist 861.05 (64.16%) was male and 480.98 (35.84%) was female. Conclusion: Number hospitals are increased over the past years. Despite the incremental number of hospital but the pharmacists over past years are same. Most of the hospital pharmacists were Saudi with more of half of staff were males. Targeting of the increasing number of Saudi hospital pharmacists through complete Saudisation standard is required. Key words: Hospital pharmacist, Workforce, Manpower, Ministry of health, Saudi arabia.

The Forecasting Demand of Hospital Pharmacist Workforce in Eleven- Year (2006-2016) and future Fifteen-Years (2016-2030) at Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia

Objective: The workforce of hospital pharmacist is one the elements of pharmacy strategic plan in Saudi Arabia. The purpose of this study is to explore the demand for hospital pharmacist’s workforce in past eleven years (2006-2016) and future fifteen years (2016-2030) at Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia. Methods: It is a retrospective analysis of eleven years (2006-2016) and projection for fifteen years in the future (2016-2030) of MOH hospital pharmacist workforce. All data derived from Ministry of Health statistical year books. It included demand pharmacist or clinical pharmacist’s workforces at MOH hospitals. The type of hospital included having bed capacity 50-1500 beds with Adults public hospitals, pediatrics and maternity hospitals, Psychiatric hospitals, Diabetic centers, Cardiology centers, Oncology Centers, Renal Dialysis Centers, and Medical cities. All calculations were based on MOH workforce standards of hospitals. All calculations were done using Microsoft Excel version ten. The calculations were per each region for a total of twenty-one regions, the hospital beds distribution numbers, the ratio of pharmacist per bed, total number of demand pharmacist per each sector, the expected number of pharmacist requirement in the coming years 2016- 2030 per each region across Saudi Arabia. Result: The total numbers of hospitals were 276 hospitals, 2,325 primary care centers, and 20 administration regions. The total numbers of pharmacists were 3,520, distributed at hospital 2,760 (78.41 %), at primary care centers 430 (12.2 %) while administration regions 330 (9.37 %). The average numbers of hospital beds were (35,940) with a range number of (31,877-41,835), and the total number was (41,835). The average numbers of pharmacists per hospital were (6.28) with a range number of (2.89-10.07). The average numbers of beds were (35,940) with a range number of (31,877- 41,835), and the total number was (41,835). The average numbers of pharmacist per bed (0.071) with a range number of (0.020-0.062). The total average demand hospitals were (5,662.98) with range (5739.40- 5607.00) with total number demand was (5607.00) hospital pharmacist. The total demand pharmacists for primary care centers by year 2030 will be (11,887.11) with range (8,367.00- 11,887.11). Conclusion: The total number of hospital pharmacists is indigent at MOH hospitals and not meet excepted recruitment standard. Targeting of the increasing number of hospital pharmacists through opening new jobs at MOH hospitals with complete pharmacist Saudisation is required. Key words: Hospital Pharmacist, Workforce, Manpower, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia.

Primary Care Centers Pharmacist Workforce Demand in Eleven Years (2006-2016), and Forecasting in Fifteen Years (2016-2030) at Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objective:</strong> The aim of this study is to explore primary care centers pharmacist workforce demand in eleven years (2006-2016) and projection of primary care center pharmacists demand for coming fifteen years (2016-2030) at Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia. <strong>Methods:</strong> It is a retrospective analysis of eleven years (2006-2016) of MOH primary healthcare center (PCC) pharmacist&rsquo;s workforce demand and projection of primary care center pharmacist&rsquo;s demand for coming fifteen years (2016-2030) at Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia. All data were derived from Ministry of Health Statistical Year Books over the past eleven years and Ministry of Health (MOH) standard. It included demand pharmacists or clinical pharmacists&rsquo; workforces at MOH primary healthcare centers. All calculations were based on Ministry of Health workforce standards of primary healthcare center. The calculations were per each region for a total of twenty-one regions, the primary health care center distribution numbers, the ratio of pharmacist per PCC, total number of demand pharmacist per each PCC, the expected number of pharmacist requirement in the coming years 2016-2030, primary healthcare center Pharmacist per each region across Saudi Arabia. <strong>Results:</strong> The total numbers of hospitals were 276 hospitals, 2,325 primary care centers, and 20 administration regions. The total numbers of pharmacists were 3,520 distributed at hospital 2,760 (78.41 %), at primary care centers 430 (12.2 %) while administration regions 330 (9.37 %). The average number of pharmacist per each primary care center pharmacist was (0.077) with a range number of (0.035-0.195). The total average demand primary care center pharmacists were (10,617.18) with range (9,586-11,401) with total number demand was (11,401) primary care center pharmacist. The total demand pharmacists for primary care centers by the year 2030 will be (16,515.79) with range (11,625.00- 16,515.79). <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Over past several years, there was very high demand of primary care pharmacist in Saudi Arabia. There is a high number of pharmacist jobs in the future. Targeting of implementation of Saudi Vision 2030 including pharmacy new vision are highly recommended in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Key words:</strong> Parenteral nutrition, Pharmaceutical care, Ministry of health, Saudi arabia.

Justifying additional pharmacist staff in an era of cost reductions

A proposal is described that justified adding one full-time equivalent (FTE) pharmacist in a 125-bed community hospital that already employed in its pharmacy department 2.5 FTE pharmacists and 5.2 FTE other personnel. The administrative steps taken included identifying the need for an additional staff member and documenting the cost effectiveness of various clinical activities. Literature references were used to justify the proposed ratio of pharmacists to technicians; to show the results of deficiencies in supervision, motivation, and scheduling; and to demonstrate the cost effectiveness of serum concentration monitoring, formulary review, and patient discharge-medication consultations. Results of formulary review, drug-use audits, dosing guidelines, and serum concentration monitoring performed by the pharmacy department were included in the proposal. Prospective drug-use reviews, computerized pharmacokinetic dose determinations, additional educational programs, and tighter purchasing policies were identified as other cost-saving activities that could be performed with an additional pharmacist. A 12-page proposal was submitted in July 1983 to the hospital administrator and the budget review committee, and the additional staff position was approved. The key to maintaining the new pharmacist position will be the continual documentation of cost-saving activities within the department.