Current Issue

Impact of hospital accreditation on quality of care, financial sustainability, and cost control in Saudi Arabian Healthcare Institutions
Ahmed Mamdouh Amin Mohamed Hassan , Sarah Ahmed Ibrahim Ibrahim Sherif
Year: 2025
Background: Improving the quality of delivered care is essential. Following accreditation standards could help to improve the quality of delivered care and patient safety while also reducing the associated costs. However, there are inconsistent results on the impact of accreditation on the quality of care in Saudi Arabia. Objectives: To investigate the impact of accreditation on quality measures and cost savings. Methods: The study followed a mixed-methods approach that collected both quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data were collected retrospectively and involved the initial costs, cost savings, and quality measures(infections, readmissions, and patient satisfaction). Qualitative data were collected through interviews and focus groups. The statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software, while thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software. Results:  The data showed that there was a statistically significant increase in patient satisfaction in accredited hospitals (85%) compared to non-accredited hospitals (70%) (P < 0.01). Readmission rates were significantly... Continue Reading

Prevalence of obesity and its lifestyle determinants among middle-aged women in care hospital
Roua Shoub Gbril Ali , Ghadeer Adel Alghamdi , Maliha Khalid khan , Amal Humed Ali , Ali Maksoud , Ziad Ashour
Year: 2025
Background: Obesity is a major global health concern and a significant risk factor for multiple chronic conditions. Middle-aged women are particularly vulnerable due to hormonal, metabolic, and lifestyle changes during this stage of life. Despite being exposed to health education in healthcare settings, this group continues to face challenges in adopting and maintaining healthy lifestyles. Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity and explore its association with lifestyle determinants, psychosocial well-being, and comorbidities among middle-aged women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 303 middle-aged women attending Care Hospital. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that assessed dietary habits, physical activity, sleep patterns, fatigue, and psychosocial factors, in addition to anthropometric measurements. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were performed using SPSS to evaluate associations between obesity and lifestyle variables. Results: The prevalence of obesity was 9.2%, while 30.8% of participants were overweight. Although most women reported... Continue Reading

Mental health impact of work-related injuries: a cross-sectional study
Husameldin Mohamedelhanafi Elbakri , Alaa Saleh Alharbi , Alaa Nasreldin Elhadi , Asma Sarfraz
Year: 2025
Background: work related injuries (WRIs) can range in severity from mild to possibly fatal. Compared to workers in other industries, many health care professionals are more likely to get hurt. Both the standard of treatment and the physical and emotional health of the personnel may be impacted by these injuries. The antecedent to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a delayed response to a stressful event or situation, whether short-term or long-term, that is catastrophic or dangerous in nature. PTSD is likely to cause widespread discomfort. Some conditions, like stress and anxiety, are comorbid with PTSD. WRIs and mental health (MH) concerns may result in costs for organizations and society. Aim: To identify the correlation between MH and WRIs among healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods: This research was cross-sectional, and it was conducted on workers in hospitals during Sept.2025. The research used a survey that investigated the demographics, work injuries (WIs), PTSD,... Continue Reading

Evaluating the impact of the multidisciplinary team approach on long-term care patient outcomes: a comparative study in two hospitals inSaudi Arabia
Mohammad Faris Hasan , Esraa Al Holi , Mohammed Samir Khusheim , Aubrey Espiritu , Abdallah Ahmed Aldahoun
Year: 2025
Background: As populations age, long-term care (LTC) facilities increasingly manage patients with multimorbidity, frailty, and cognitive decline. Traditional single-discipline models often fail to address these complexities, whereas multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) enhance coordinated, patient-centered care. In Saudi Arabia, MDT integration aligns with Vision 2030’s goals for efficient, family-centered healthcare delivery. Methods: A 6-month quasi-experimental comparative study was conducted in two LTC hospitals in Riyadh: Care Medical Malaz (CMM), implementing the MDT model, and Care Medical Rawabi (CMR), using a conventional single-provider approach. Data from patient records and validated survey tools (FAMCARE, AHRQ Teamwork Climate, and patient satisfaction questionnaires) were analyzed using SPSS v28. Independent t-tests, chi-square tests, and regression analyses evaluated differences in clinical, staff, and patient outcomes, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: CMM significantly outperformed CMR across key performance indicators, including higher restraint and catheter removal rates, greater family meeting frequency, and more swallowing assessments (p < 0.001).... Continue Reading

Long-term outcome after curative anterior resection for rectal cancer, single centre experience
Mahfoudh Mohammed Al Asali , Khaled abdulaziz Almohaimeed , AbdAllah Mohamed Sayedahmed , Ahmed Hassan Osman Fadl , Khaled Ba wazir , Ziadullah Ashour Bay , Abdelbagi Abdalla Elbashir
Year: 2025
Aim:To assess the rates of survival and local recurrence following curative therapy for rectal cancer (RC) provided by a specialized unit at “Care Medical Hospital- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia”, over the previous 10 years. Methods and Population: The records at “Care Medical Hospital–Riyadh” of the patients who received a significant curative therapy for RC between 01 January 2015 and 31 December 2024 were retrospectively examined. Radical operation was carried out by a specialized surgeon. The data of the patients were retrieved. Results: A total of 241 performed anterior resection. The ratio of male-to-female was 1.2:1 (134 male versus 107 female), with a median age at surgery of 57 years. 58% and 30% of subjects received total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) and neoadjuvant radiation, respectively. Adjuvant chemotherapy was provided to 46% of the cases. The median follow-up was 63 months, and 96.3% achieved total resection with negative margins. The rate of local recurrence... Continue Reading

The implementation of an evidencebased staffing platform to optimize nurse staffing and patient care in Saudi Arabia
Ahmed Zaki Mustafa , Shiv Bhagwan Dhayal , Kanchana Ramachandran , Dania Amer Alhijjawi
Year: 2025
Background: Optimal nurse staffing is essential for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. Traditional staffing approaches often fail to reflect real-time patient acuity, potentially leading to suboptimal outcomes and increased operational costs. Evidence-based strategies are therefore needed to align staffing with patient needs and ensure efficiency.Objectives: To optimize nurse staffing using an evidence-based acuity platform, with the aim of improving patient outcomes and reducing staffing-related costs.Methods: This quality improvement study was conducted at Care Medical Al-Rawabi, Saudi Arabia, from January to June 2024. A Lean Six Sigma framework guided the intervention across five phases: Define: Inefficiencies in existing staffing practices were identified. Measure: Data on patient acuity, staffing levels, and overtime hours were collected. Analyze: Pareto charts were used to determine root causes of staffing inefficiencies. Improve: A standardized acuity-based tool was introduced to match staffing with patient complexity. Control: Ongoing monitoring ensured sustained performance and process refinement.Results: Following the implementation of... Continue Reading

The 10 steps to warmth: empowering optimal thermal care for newborns in Saudi Arabia
Sangita Devi Moirangthem , Kanchana Ramachandran , Dania Amer Alhijjawi , Maha Hassan Eladly , Ahmed Zaki Mustafa
Year: 2025
Background: Newborn hypothermia, defined as an axillary temperature lower than 36.5°C, represents a major issue. It affects around 32% to 85% of newborns worldwide and is associated with an increased risk of complications. There is inadequate implementation of WHO guidelines in thermal care and limited evidence on the potential failures of their application. Objectives: To significantly reduce the incidence of neonatal hypothermia Care Medical Hospital in Saudi Arabia by implementing the WHO thermal care guidelines. Methods: The study was conducted at CARE Medical Al Rawabi in Saudi Arabia from December 2023 to June 2024. We implemented the 10 Steps to Warmth and followed a Six-Step Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). Step 1: Identifying the process: Implementation of the WHO guidelines. Step 2: Identifying potential failure modes. Step 3: Rating the risk: Rating the occurrence, detection, and severity. Step 4: Develop action plans: Create strategies to reduce the occurrence, severity,... Continue Reading

Mindful eating as a public health strategy for sleep improvement in high-stress occupations
Sagar Bayaskar
Year: 2025
Background: High-stress occupations often contribute to poor dietary patterns and sleep disturbances. Mindful eating, a practice focusing on awareness and intentionality during food consumption, has been proposed as a low-cost, non-pharmacological intervention to improve sleep health. Objective: This study explored the potential influence of mindful eating practices on sleep quality among individuals employed in high-stress professions, using qualitative insights from diverse educational and occupational backgrounds. Methods: A total of 35 participants (18 males, 17 females; aged 22–45 years) from various fields including health sciences, engineering, management, and social sciences participated in in-depth interviews. Data were collected on their awareness, adoption, and perceived effects of mindful eating on sleep patterns. Thematic coding identified recurring patterns, and descriptive statistics summarized demographic variables and self-reported sleep changes. Results: Of the participants, 77.1% reported awareness of mindful eating, and 40% actively practiced it in the previous month. Those who engaged in mindful eating reported... Continue Reading

Pattern, risks, and outcomes of orthopedic injuries among construction workers: a systematic review 
Nasser Sulaiman Alqadhib , Osman Hashim Mohamed , Fayo haji
Year: 2025
Background: Construction is among the most debilitating and hazardous industries globally. The construction industry accounts for the greatest incidence of injuries and deaths. Occupational accidents pose significant health risks and result in considerable social and economic consequences. Orthopedic injuries are common and may arise from occupational activities and accidents. They possess potential effects on persons’ lives. Identifying the patterns, risks, and consequences of orthopedic injuries among construction workers (CWs) is essential for developing effective preventative strategies. Objective: To evaluate the patterns, risks, and consequences of orthopedic injuries among CWs by a review of existing studies on this topic. Methods: Electronic databases were searched to identify pertinent papers associated with the present issue utilizing relevant terminology. The search was limited to publications from 2016 to the present. The qualifying papers were original works produced in English that documented orthopedic injuries in studies addressing occupational injuries among CWs. Results: Nine studies met... Continue Reading

Behind the white uniform: global burden of workplace violence against nurses: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Amal Humed Ali , Asmaa Sobhy Soliman
Year: 2025
Background: Workplace violence (WPV) is a pervasive occupational hazard in healthcare, with nurses particularly vulnerable due to their frontline role. In Saudi Arabia, fragmented evidence exists regarding WPV prevalence and risk factors. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to provide pooled estimates of WPV among nurses and identify associated determinants. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to September 2025, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Eligible studies included cross-sectional or cohort designs reporting WPV prevalence or risk factors among nurses in Saudi Arabia. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers, and study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated in RStudio using the meta package with random-effects models. Heterogeneity was quantified using I2, and publication bias was evaluated with DOI plots and Luis Furuya–Kanamori index. Results: Nineteen studies comprising 8,754 nurses were included.... Continue Reading

Investigating incidence, pathophysiology, and management of renal artery aneurysms post-delivery: case report
Juhair Al Joha , Maliha Khalid khan , Raed Madkhali , Roua Ali
Year: 2025
Background: Renal artery aneurysm (RAA) during the postpartum phase is an uncommon occurrence that has a high death rate for both the mother and the fetus. It often develops as a result of alterations in the integrity of the vascular wall brought on by hormonal and hemodynamic shifts. RAA rupture during the postpartum phase is extremely difficult to diagnose early. Case presentation: In our case a 27-year old female pregnant about 37 weeks and 5 days. She was admitted to our hospital with swollen face, puffy eyes, oedema on the feet, hypertension, and tachycardia. She was decided for labor, day 1 post-vaginal delivery the vitals showed tachycardia, hypotension and she had severe dizziness, pale look, severe pain in the right side of abdomen, and right flank. The computed tomography scans showed a rare case of post-delivery RAA. She was controlled with right sided nephrectomy. Conclusion: RAAs in postpartum patients are... Continue Reading