Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41107853›Full record

ArticleBMC health services research2025

Exploring communication between pharmacists and infection control staff: a qualitative study in ministry of health hospitals, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Abdullah U Althemery, Abdullah Alfaifi, Ahmed Alshehri, Nehad Ahmed, Saad Alaeena, Abdullah Aljahan

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Article in BMC health services research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Abdullah U AlthemeryDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, 16278, Saudi Arabia. a.althemery@psau.edu.sa.
Abdullah AlfaifiDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, 16278, Saudi Arabia.
Ahmed AlshehriDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, 16278, Saudi Arabia.
Nehad AhmedDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, 16278, Saudi Arabia.
Saad AlaeenaHikma Pharmaceuticals, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Abdullah AljahanDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, 16278, Saudi Arabia.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundClear and effective communication between infection control staff and healthcare professionals is an essential component in supporting the development and consistent implementation of infection control protocols within hospital settings.

methodsThis qualitative study examined communication between infection control workers and pharmacists at MOH hospitals through semi-structured interviews (n = 9, 30–45 min) and two FGDs (4–5 participants each). Purposive sampling ensured representation, with thematic saturation reached by the ninth participant—consistent with similar studies (6–12 participants). Qualitative methods captured nuanced dynamics, using interviews for individual insights and FGDs for group perspectives. Data were analyzed via Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis. Ethical approval (H-01-R-009) was obtained on May 28, 2019, with written consent from all participants.

resultsThis study identified four key themes from 9 participants (6 male, 3 female) regarding antimicrobial stewardship communication challenges: (1) Patient Safety & Communication - emphasizing protocol adherence, interdisciplinary rounds, and preference for formal channels over WhatsApp; (2) Interdisciplinary Collaboration - where leadership engagement and face-to-face committees enhanced decision-making; (3) Healthcare Delivery Challenges - particularly staffing shortages, excessive workloads, and unclear medication protocols; and (4) Training & Development - revealing gaps in feedback systems, limited educational resources, and reactive crisis communication. Critical findings included the need for structured antibiotic monitoring, COO-level support for stewardship programs, resolution of role ambiguities, and implementation of proactive training initiatives to optimize infection control practices.

conclusionsStructured communication—through regular meetings, stewardship rounds, and clear antibiotic guidelines—significantly enhanced infection control outcomes by fostering collaboration between pharmacists and infection control teams. This approach improved adherence to protocols, optimized antibiotic use, and strengthened emergency preparedness, directly contributing to patient safety. However, persistent challenges like staffing shortages and training gaps must be addressed to maximize these benefits.

Indexed as

CommunicationInfection ControlPharmacistsAntimicrobial StewardshipFemaleFocus GroupsHumansInterviews as TopicMaleQualitative ResearchSaudi ArabiaCommunicationFocus groupInfection control staffPharmacists

Identifiers

PMID41107853
PMCPMC12534961

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.