Current developments of ambulatory pharmaceutical care in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: The evolving specialty of ambulatory care pharmacy practice under the clinical pharmacy profession in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has blossomed recently. It has provided patient-centered care in multiple areas such as medication therapy management, anticoagulation, diabetes management, and immunization that advanced over the past two decades. In light of the Saudi Vision 2030, the ambulatory care pharmacy practice awaits tremendous opportunities with expected challenges that require consequential efforts and vigilant planning by clinical pharmacists and concerned governmental and non-governmental bodies. Objectives: Describe the current and future development of ambulatory care pharmacy services in KSA and propose a scheme for collaborative practice agreement (CPA). Methods: This is a review written by a group of experts under the umbrella of the Saudi Society of Clinical Pharmacy (SSCP) to propose a structured strategy for building an ambulatory care pharmacy practice in KSA, describe the currently available services and training requirements, and suggest a scheme for CPA. Results and Conclusion: The experts' vision support the ambulatory care pharmacy practice in KSA, recommends a framework and constructed elements for a unified and comprehensive CPA in the region. It emphasizes on the training and set requirements for pharmacists to be eligible to provide ambulatory care clinical pharmacy services in a defined care setting.