@article {226, title = {Demand for Pharmacy Technician Workforce at Primary Healthcare Centers during the Past 12 Years (2006-2017) and in the Future (2018-2030) in Saudi Arabia}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {8}, year = {2019}, month = {September 2019}, pages = {182-185}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {182}, abstract = {

Objective: To explore the demand of pharmacy technician workforce at Ministry of Health{\textquoteright}s (MOH) Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) over the past 12 years (2006{\textendash}2017) and in the future (2018{\textendash}2030) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of the demand of MOH{\textquoteright}s pharmacy technician workforce during the past 12 years (2006-2017) and in the future (2018-2030). All data were derived from the MOH{\textquoteright}s Statistical Year Books and any missing information regarding the pharmacy technician workforce will be estimated through allied healthcare professionals{\textquoteright} data from each region including data on gender or nationality. It included pharmacy technician and excluded all types of pharmacists or clinical pharmacist{\textquoteright}s workforces at MOH hospital setting. All calculations were based on MOH{\textquoteright}s workforce standards of PHCs and updated literature. All calculations were performed using Microsoft Excel version 10. Results: The demand for number pharmacy technicians based on the pharmacist: pharmacy technicians in the ratio standard (1:3) was (4{\textendash}1,392) with an average number of (608.92) pharmacy technicians required. The demand for number of pharmacist: pharmacy technicians in the ratio standard (1:4) was (37,453{\textendash}46,058) with an average number of (41,611.17) pharmacy technicians required. While the demand for pharmacist: pharmacy technicians in the ratio standard (1:2) was (18,281{\textendash}22,218) with an average of (20,159.67). The number of pharmacist: pharmacy technicians required in the future based on the ratio standard (1:3) was 27,867{\textendash}34,138 with an average number of (30,885.42) pharmacy technicians required. In the future (2018{\textendash}2030), the pharmacist: pharmacy technicians based on the ratio standard (1:4) was (47,600{\textendash}64,317) with an average of (54,895.23) pharmacy technicians required. However, the pharmacist: pharmacy technicians based on the ratio standard of (1:2) was (23,154{\textendash}31,286) with an average number of (26,689.30) pharmacy technicians required. The number of pharmacist: pharmacy technician required based on the ratio standard (1:3) was (35,377{\textendash}47,802) with an average number of (40,792.27) pharmacy technicians required. Conclusion: In this study, the demands and future forecasting of pharmacy technician workforces was determined. The pharmacist to pharmacy technician ratio should be standardized. Pharmacy technicians may be utilized at community pharmacies in the future. Periodic analysis of demand and forecasting at PHCs is highly recommended in Saudi Arabia.

}, doi = {10.5530/ijpcs.2019.8.30}, author = {Yousef Ahmed Alomi and Saeed Jamaan Alghamdi and Radi Abdullah Alattyh} } @article {227, title = {Forecasting (2018-2030) and the Demand of Clinical Pharmacy Technician Workforce at Over Twelve Years (2006-2017) in Saudi Arabia}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {8}, year = {2019}, month = {September 2019}, pages = {186-189}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {186}, abstract = {

Background: The workforce of clinical pharmacy technician is one the elements of pharmacy strategic plan in Saudi Arabia. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to explore the demand clinical pharmacy technician{\textquoteright}s workforce at Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals and primary health care centers over the past twelve years (2006- 2017) and forecasting during the years (2018-2030) in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: It is a retrospective analysis of twelve years (2006-2017) of MOH hospitals, Primary Health Care Center (PHCs) of the pharmacy technician{\textquoteright}s workforce and forecasting for future years (2018-2030). All data were derived from the Ministry of Health statistical year books and any missing appropriate information about pharmacy technician{\textquoteright}s workforce that will be estimated through allied healthcare professional{\textquoteright}s data in each region including gender. It included all types of pharmacy technicians included in the study while excluded all pharmacists or clinical pharmacist{\textquoteright}s workforce at MOH intuitions. All calculations were based on MOH workforce standards of hospitals or PHCs updated literatures. All calculation was done using Microsoft Excel version ten. Results: The total average of hospitals was 253.92 in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The total average demand of clinical pharmacy technician at MOH hospitals will be (4,579.08) over twelve years (2006-2017) with a range (2,899 to 6,619). The total average demand of clinical pharmacy technician at primary healthcare centers will be (1,303) over twelve years (2006-2017) with a range (891 to 1,623). The total average demand of clinical pharmacy technician at hospital forecasting will be (10,271.34) over thirteen years (2008-2030) with a range (8,797.44 to 11,887.11). The total average demand of clinical pharmacy technician at primary healthcare centers forecasting will be (14,270.87) over thirteen years (2018-2030) with a range (12,223.05 to 16,515.79). Conclusion: The Ministry of Health hospitals and primary care centers sectors will be with the highest demand for clinical pharmacy technician in the future. The ratio of pharmacist to clinical pharmacy technician needs to be standardized at hospitals and primary healthcare services. Further, the analysis of the clinical pharmacy technician workforce is required in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

}, keywords = {Clinical Pharmacy technician, Demand, Forecasting, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia, Workforces}, doi = {10.5530/ijpcs.2019.8.31}, author = {Yousef Ahmed Alomi and Saeed Jamaan Alghamdi and Radi Abdullah Alattyh} } @article {225, title = {Forecasting (2018-2030) and the Demand of Hospital Pharmacy Technician Workforce at Over Twelve Years (2006-2017) in Saudi Arabia}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {8}, year = {2019}, month = {September 2019}, pages = {178-181}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {178}, abstract = {

Objectives: The workforce of hospital pharmacy technician is one the elements of pharmacy strategic plan in Saudi Arabia.: The purpose of this study is to explore the demand workforce of pharmacy technician at MOH hospitals over the past twelve years (2006-2017) and forecasting during (2018-2030) in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: It is a retrospective analysis of twelve years (2006-2017) of Ministry of Health pharmacy technician workforce demand and forecasting in the future (2018- 2030) at MOH organization practice. All data were derived from the Ministry of Health Statistical Year Books and any missing appropriate information about pharmacy technician workforce that will be estimated through allied healthcare professional{\textquoteright}s data in each region including gender or nationality. It included pharmacy technician and exclude all types of pharmacists or clinical pharmacist{\textquoteright}s workforce at MOH hospital setting. All calculations were based on MOH workforce standards of hospital with update literatures. All calculation was done used Microsoft Excel version ten. Results: The number of pharmacy technician demand based on optimum pharmacy and pharmacist. The pharmacy technician ratio (1:4) demand was (21,212.6-26,091) with an average (22,934.68). While with a ratio of (1:2) the number of pharmacy technician demand was (7,410-8,859) with an average (8,320.55). The number of pharmacy technician forecasting of a ratio (1:3) was (14,300-17,475) with an average (15,627.62). The forecasting number of pharmacy technician in the future within years (2018-2030) over thirteen years based on optimum pharmacy and pharmacist. The pharmacy technician ratio (1:4) forecast was (33,898.6-45,803) with an average (39,577.00). While with a ratio of (1:2) the number of the forecasting pharmacy technician was (16,303-22,028) with an average (19,034.31). The number of pharmacy technician forecasting of ratio (1:3) was (25,100 - 33,916) with an average (29,305.54). Conclusion: The demand of pharmacy technicians and forecasting in the future were determined. The ratio of pharmacist to pharmacy technician in the hospital practice should be standardized. An annual study on hospital pharmacy technician workforce is recommended in Saudi Arabia.

}, keywords = {Demand, Forecasting, Hospital, Ministry of Health, Pharmacy technician, Saudi Arabia, Workforces}, doi = {10.5530/ijpcs.2019.8.29}, author = {Yousef Ahmed Alomi and Saeed Jamaan Alghamdi and Radi Abdullah Alattyh} } @article {223, title = {Hospital Pharmacy Technician Workforce over 12 Years (2006-2017) in Saudi Arabia}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {8}, year = {2019}, month = {September 2019}, pages = {163-170}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {163}, abstract = {

Objective: To explore the workforce of pharmacy technician at Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals over the past 12 years (2006{\textendash}2017) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of 12 years (2006{\textendash}2017) of MOH pharmacy technician workforce at hospital practice. All data were derived from MOH{\textquoteright}s Statistical Year Books and any missing appropriate information of pharmacy technician workforce was estimated through allied healthcare professional{\textquoteright}s data at each region including gender or nationality. It included pharmacy technician and excluded all types of pharmacists or clinical pharmacist{\textquoteright}s workforces at MOH hospital setting. All calculations were based on MOH workforce standards of hospitals. All calculations were performed using Microsoft Excel version 10. Results: A total of 8373 pharmacy technicians were employed with 6620 (79.06 \%) and 1623 (19.38\%) pharmacy technicians employed at various hospitals and primary healthcare centers, respectively; while in the medical administration sectors was 130 (1.55 \%). The total number of pharmacy technicians were 4578 (range: 2899{\textendash}6620). The average number of pharmacy technicians working per bed per region of the hospital was 0.25 (range: 0.08{\textendash}1.66). The average number of pharmacy technicians per pharmacist per region was 3.04 (range: 2.00{\textendash}5.57) annually. The average number of male pharmacy technicians was 195 (85.15\%) (range: 114{\textendash}285), whereas the number of female technicians was 34 (14.84\%) (range: 21{\textendash}46). An estimated average number of 211 (92.14\%) were Saudi nationals per region (range: 104{\textendash}319), whereas an average of 18 (7.86\%) were non-Saudi individuals (range: 10{\textendash}41). Conclusion: There are more number of pharmacy technicians working at MOH hospitals. The majority of them were Saudi nationals and there were more males than that of female technicians. The ratio of pharmacist to technician was acceptable. The annual assessment of pharmacy technician workforce in the MOH healthcare institutions is required in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

}, keywords = {Hospital, Ministry of Health, Pharmacy technician, Saudi Arabia, Workforce}, doi = {10.5530/ijpcs.2019.8.27}, author = {Yousef Ahmed Alomi and Saeed Jamaan Alghamdi and Radi Abdullah Alattyh} } @article {220, title = {National Antidote of Poisoning Distribution System: New Initiatives in Saudi Arabia}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {8}, year = {2019}, month = {September 2019}, pages = {141-155}, type = {Review Article }, chapter = {141}, abstract = {

Objective: To declare the national antidote of poisoning distribution system as new initiatives in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: It is a new initiative project, the national antidote of poisoning distribution system. The project drove the antidote of poisoning distribution guidelines and the international business model, pharmacy project guidelines project management institution guidelines of a new project. The initiative project is written through project management professionals and consisted of several parts, including the initial phase, the planning phase, the execution phase and the monitoring and controlling phase. Results: The antidote of poisoning distribution system with a defined vision, mission and goals was initiated. The services had various advantages with clinical and economic impacts on patients and healthcare services as illustrated in the review. The extension of the project was assured by risk management elements description. Furthermore, the monitoring and controlling of the services was demonstrated. The conversion to operation project though closing project stage was revealed in the analysis. Conclusion: The national antidote of poisoning distribution system is new initiative project and is considered as a part of the management of poisoning. There are multiple locations of antidote distribution services suggested and it is highly required in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

}, keywords = {Antidote, Distribution, National, Poisoning, Saudi Arabia, System}, doi = {10.5530/ijpcs.2019.8.24}, author = {Yousef Ahmed Alomi and Amal Hassan Al-Najjar and Saeed Jamaan Alghamdi and Radi Abdullah Alattyh} } @article {66, title = {National Pharmacists On-the-Job Training program at the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {8}, year = {2019}, month = {June 2019}, pages = {94-98}, type = {Review Article }, chapter = {94}, abstract = {

Objective: To explore the pharmacists on the job training at the Ministry of Health hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: It is a descriptive analysis of pharmacists on the job training at the Ministry of Health hospitals. It was within the pharmacy strategic plan 2012-2020. The study used the changed pharmacy business model system and Project Management Procedure. Results: The pharmacists on job training system reputable with a defined vision, mission and goals. The system had some properties including human or economic and other defined in the review. The continuation of the system guaranteed by risk management model explanation. Also, the monitoring and controlling of the system as exemplified. The convention to operation project though closing project stage established in the examination. Conclusion: The pharmacists on job training system well-known within the healthcare system and pharmacy regulations. The pharmacists on the job training system are regularly refining consequently at all Ministry of Health hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

}, keywords = {Job, Ministry of Health, Pharmacists, Saudi Arabia, Training}, doi = {10.5530/ijpcs.2019.8.16}, author = {Yousef Ahmed Alomi and Saeed Jamaan Alghamdi and Radi Abdullah Alatty2} } @article {46, title = {National Pharmacy Inventory Management System at the Ministry of Health Institutions in Saudi Arabia}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {8}, year = {2019}, month = {January 2019}, pages = {02-10}, type = {Review Article}, chapter = {02}, abstract = {

The National Pharmacy Inventory Management system is a new initiative program at the Ministry of Health hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The system designed by expert pharmacists and clinical pharmacist from different region cross Saudi Arabia. The system drove from national and International regulation and guidelines of pharmaceutical societies around the world. The system was starting from procurement phase through storage, dispensing and storage system at the logistic warehouse of the Ministry of Health. The system guides the end user how to request medications by group tender or direct purchase, medications inventory management, and close follow up procedures. The system had a vision, mission, and goals. The review discussed the full detail policy and procedures of the pharmacy inventory system. The topic addressed the risk management of the program, and key performance indicators to measure the impact of the program. The new initiative system was the first project at Ministry of Health hospital implemented to improve management availability and prevent over or under the stock of medications and subsequently the avoidance of additional economic burden on health care system at Ministry of Health in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

}, keywords = {Inventory, Management, Ministry of Health, Pharmacy, Saudi Arabia}, doi = {10.5530/ijpcs.2019.8.2}, author = {Yousef Ahmed Alomi and Saeed Jamaan Alghamdi and Radi Abdullah Alattyh} } @article {222, title = {Pharmacy Technician Workforce in Saudi Arabia over Twelve Years (2006-2017)}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {8}, year = {2019}, month = {September 2019}, pages = {158-162}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {158}, abstract = {

Objectives: To explore the workforce of pharmacy technician at Ministry of Health (MOH) institutions over the past twelve years (2006-2017) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: It is a retrospective analysis of twelve years (2006-2017) of Ministry of Health pharmacy technician workforce at hospital practice. All data derived from the Ministry of Health Statistical Year Books and any missing appropriate information about pharmacy technician workforce, that{\textquoteright}s will be estimated through allied healthcare professional{\textquoteright}s data in each region including gender or nationality. It included pharmacy technician and exclude all types of pharmacists or clinical pharmacist{\textquoteright}s workforces at MOH hospital and Primary Health Care Centers (PHCs) settings. All calculations were based on MOH workforce standards of hospitals and PHCs. All calculation was done using Microsoft Excel version ten. Results: The total number of pharmacy technician in all sectors, hospitals, primary healthcare centers and medical affairs administration increased from 4,289 to 8,373 over twelve years to 1.96-fold increments (2006- 2017). The number of Saudi pharmacy technician increased from 3,064 to 8,061 to 2.63-fold increments while non-Saudi pharmacy technician decreased from 1,225 to 312 to 3.92-fold reductions. The rate of pharmacy technician to pharmacist decreased from 6.7 to 2.2 to 3.05-fold ratio reductions while the pharmacy technician per 10,000 population increased from 2.67 to 4.29 to 1.61-fold incremental ratio over the past twelve years. Conclusion: The pharmacy technician worked at the Ministry of Health institutions increased over the past twelve years. The Saudi pharmacy technician was increased with reduction of non-Saudi nationality. The male gender more than female. The ratio of pharmacy technician to pharmacist was reduced by time. The pharmacy technician workforces needed to explore at all healthcare institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

}, keywords = {Centers, Health, Hospital, Ministry of Health, Pharmacy technician, Saudi Arabia, Workforce}, doi = {10.5530/ijphs.2019.8.26}, author = {Yousef Ahmed Alomi and Saeed Jamaan Alghamdi and Radi Abdullah Alattyh} } @article {224, title = {Primary Healthcare Centers Pharmacy Technician Workforce over Twelve Years (2006-2017) in Saudi Arabia}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {8}, year = {2019}, month = {September 2019}, pages = {171-177}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {171}, abstract = {

Objectives: To explore the workforce of pharmacy technician at MOH Primary Healthcare Centers over the past twelve years (2006-2017) in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: It is a retrospective analysis of twelve years (2006-2017) of Ministry of Health pharmacy technician workforce at Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) practice. All data derived from Ministry of Health Statistical Year Books and any missing appropriate information about pharmacy technician workforce, that{\textquoteright}s will be estimated through allied healthcare professional{\textquoteright}s data at each region including gender or nationality. It included pharmacy technician and exclude all types of pharmacists or clinical pharmacist{\textquoteright}s workforces at MOH PHCs setting. All calculations were based on MOH workforce standards of Primary Healthcare Centers. All calculation was done using Microsoft Excel version ten. Results: The total numbers of pharmacy Technician were 8.373 and who distributed at the hospital were 6,620 (79.06\%), at primary care centers 1,623(19.38 \%) while administration regions 130 (1.55\%). The total number of pharmacy technician was (1,623) with rage (891-1,623 and average (1,292). While the average numbers per region of PHCs pharmacy technician were (65) with a range number of (32-84). The average numbers of pharmacy technician per pharmacist per region (9.11) with a range number of (0.83-14.83) annually. The estimated average rage gender distribution of PHCs pharmacy Technician per region were male (31-72) with average 56 (86.15\%), while the female was (6-12) and average 9 (13.84\%). The estimated average rage nationality distribution of PHCs pharmacy Technician per region was Saudi (30-80) with average 61 (93.84\%), while the non-Saudi was (1-13) and average 4 (6.16\%). Conclusion: One fifth of the pharmacy technician worked at the Ministry of Health PHCs. The majority of pharmacy technician was Saudi and the male gender. The ratio of pharmacy technician was very high related shortage of pharmacists. The analysis of pharmacy technician workforces at PHCs is highly recommended annually in Saudi Arabia.

}, keywords = {Ministry of Health, Pharmacy technician, Primary Healthcare Center, Saudi Arabia, Workforce}, doi = {10.5530/ijpcs.2019.8.28}, author = {Yousef Ahmed Alomi and Saeed Jamaan Alghamdi and Radi Abdullah Alattyh} } @article {234, title = {The Top Influence Pioneer Pharmacy Leaders in Saudi Arabia}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {8}, year = {2019}, month = {December 2019}, pages = {213-221}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {213}, abstract = {

Objective: To explore the top influence, pioneer pharmacy leaders (1970-2015) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: It is a retrospective analysis of the history of most influencing pharmacy leaders in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; in the past fortyfive years. It revised the top twenty pharmacists in the date period included from 1970-2015. The letter had been sent to some experts{\textquoteright} pharmacist to nominate the top influence pharmacy in the same period. The updated resumes had been revised. The interview had been done with all pharmacy leaders. The analysis consisted of twopart. The first section about a brief history of demographic data. The second section about most achievements during pharmacy career life. Results: There are almost 15 pioneer pharmacy leaders in Saudi Arabia. They changed the face of pharmacy practice through achievement projects, published research and consultations. They worked at several governmental and private sectors. The governmental sections included the Ministry of Health institution, University or National Guard and Military organization. Besides, the pharmaceutical companies. Conclusion: There were excellent pioneer pharmacy leaders in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They changed the image of pharmacy practice at all healthcare institutions. Further studies demand to explore more different of pharmacy field in Saudi Arabia.

}, keywords = {Pharmacy, Pioneer, Saudi Arabia}, doi = {10.5530/ijpcs.2019.8.48}, author = {Yousef Ahmed Alomi and Saeed Jamaan Alghamdi and Radi Abdullah Alattyh} } @article {28, title = {National Survey of Drug Information Centers{\textquoteright} Practice: Evidence-Based Medicine-Therapeutics Guidelines (EBM-TG) System at Ministry of Health Hospitals in Saudi Arabia}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {7}, year = {2018}, month = {November 2018}, pages = {26-30}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {26}, abstract = {

Objective: To explore the practice at the National Survey of Drug Information Centers in Saudi Arabia with an emphasis on Evidence-Based Medicine-Therapeutics Guidelines (EBM-TGs) System at Ministry of Health hospitals. Methods: This is a 4-month crosssectional national survey of the Drug Information Services at MOH. The survey contains 10 domains with a total of 181 questions designed by the authors. The questions were derived from the International Pharmaceutical Federation, American Society of Health- System Pharmacists best practice guidelines. The survey was distributed to 40 hospital pharmacies that run drug information services. In this study, the domain Medication- Use Evaluation System was explored and analyzed. It consisted of seven questions about the written policies and procedures and application methods for EBM-TG in the drug information centers. The data were analyzed through the Survey Monkey system. Results: The response rate was found to be around 88.88\%. According to the results, written policies and procedures for EBM-TGs existed only in 18 (45\%) hospitals and approximately 25{\textendash}100\% of the elements implementations. EBM-TG monitoring system is available live in only 17 (42.5\%) hospitals applying approximately 25{\textendash}100\% of the elements. According to our results, in only 18 (45\%) hospitals, the patients receive appropriate care due to EBM-TGs. There is evidence that the EBM-TG Indicators existed in only 19 (45.5\%) hospitals applying approximately 25{\textendash}100\% of the elements. Process for improving EBM-TG system exists in 20 (50\%) hospitals applying approximately 25{\textendash}100\% of the elements. Conclusion: There a poor application of EBM-TGs in the practice of drug information centers. Implementation of EBM-TG system improves patient outcomes which avoids unnecessary additional costs in the healthcare system.

}, keywords = {Drug Information Centers, Evidence-Based Medicine, Saudi Arabia, Therapeutics Guidelines}, doi = {10.5530/ijpcs.2018.7.6}, author = {Yousef Ahmed Alomi and Saeed Jamaan Alghamdi and Radi Abdullah Alattyh} } @article {27, title = {National Workload Analysis of Network of Drug Information Centers at Ministry of Health Hospitals in Saudi Arabia}, journal = {International Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Sciences}, volume = {7}, year = {2018}, month = {November 2018}, pages = {17-25}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {17}, abstract = {

Objectives: To analyze the workload of the network of drug information centers at the Ministry of Health institutions, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is a 2-month cross-sectional survey of all drug information centers at MOH hospitals. Any drug information center that has been recently opened or has provided services to the healthcare professionals and the public participated in the survey. The national, regional, and local drug information centers at healthcare institutions were included in the survey. In addition, hospitals or primary care centers (e.g., public, pediatric, maternity, and psychiatry) were also included in the survey. The survey consisted of two parts: demographics data and workload of drug information centers. The clinical activities were driven by the American College of Clinical Pharmacy model. Results: The questionnaire was distributed to around 60 drug information centers. A total of 46 centers responded to the questionnaire, with a response rate of around 76.66\%. Most hospitals (11 (23.9\%)) had 100{\textendash}199 beds and others (11 (23.9\%)) had 200{\textendash}299 beds. A total of 1022.5; 22,495; and 269,940 drug information queries were received daily, monthly, and annually, respectively. The greatest demand for a full-time employee (FTE) to preform drug information activities was at the central drug information activities (20.95 FTE) followed by the administration-related drug information activities (17.98 FTE) and patient-specific drug information activities (8.41 FTE). Among the central drug information activities, the highest amount of activity was observed for in-service training (10.95 FTE), whereas among the administration-related drug information activities, the highest amount of activity was observed for attending lectures/courses/symposium/training (2.46 FTE). Among the patient-specific drug information activities, the highest amount of activity was observed for patient counseling services (3.43 FTE). Conclusion: The workload of drug information centers was found to be very high. The services were needed to be revised within basic and advanced requirements of drug information centers at the Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia.

}, keywords = {Drug Information Centers, Ministry of Health, Network, Saudi Arabia, Workload}, doi = {10.5530/ijpcs.2018.7.5}, author = {Yousef Ahmed Alomi and Saeed Jamaan Alghamdi and Radi Abdullah Alattyh} }