?How Prepared Are the Ministry of National Guard - Health Affairs (MNG-HA) Facilities Against Coronaviruses in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

In 2012, the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) started to spread in Saudi Arabia. Healthcare workers (HCW) contributed to 19% of MERS cases in Saudi Arabia. The literature identifies flaws in the application of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures in Saudi Arabia. Data also show that 53.7% of HCW prefer more training on infectious disease control guidelines. Health officials have recognized that coronaviruses are a global health threat. In response, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) have issued several recommendations and enforced guidelines for infectious disease control in the Kingdom. In addition, international collaborations were made between the Ministry of National Guard - Health Affairs (MNG-HA) and Johns Hopkins to produce an IPC program. However, it is still unknown if these efforts are enough to prevent future coronavirus outbreaks. This research used a mixed-methods case study design to assess the preparedness of the MNG-HA against coronaviruses utilizing the Theoretical Model to Explain Self- Protective Behavior at Work. Quantitatively, it evaluated the IPC core competencies in six facilities using an Infection Prevention and Control Assessment Framework (IPCAF). In addition, it used qualitative interviews to assess HCWs’ opinions of the MNG-HA’s IPC education and training and how to improve ongoing efforts. Results from the IPCAF identified MNG-HA facilities as advanced. Only 24 indicators out of 81 had gaps in them. Interviews with HCWs identified infection control v challenges. The HCW also provided recommendations which overlapped with their challenges regarding the IPC training format, monitoring and audit, and communication. Findings from the IPCAF aligned with some of the identified issues in the interviews, which facilitated the triangulation of results. The findings of this research will help the MNG-HA identify IPC gaps within their facilities. Future research at the MNG-HA should be directed toward improving ongoing IPC efforts by using the multimodal improvement strategy proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). An action plan should then be created based on the identified IPC gaps to help inform decision-making at the MNG-HA. Emphasis on the quality and efficiency of healthcare services stems from the ultimate goal set forth on a national level: Saudi Arabia aims to achieve its vision through setting objectives that target enhanced healthcare services in accordance with the National Transformation Program (NTP).