Dexamethasone versus methylprednisolone for multiple organ dysfunction in COVID-19 critically ill patients: a multicenter propensity score matching study.

Background: Dexamethasone usually recommended for patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to reduce short-term mortality. However, it is uncertain if another corticosteroid, such as methylprednisolone, may be utilized to obtain better clinical outcome. This study assessed dexamethasone's clinical and safety outcomes compared to methylprednisolone.

Effectiveness and safety of edoxaban warfarin in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia type. Patients with AF are often administered anticoagulants to reduce the risk of ischemic stroke due to an irregular heartbeat. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of edoxaban warfarin in patients with nonvalvular AF by conducting an updated meta-analysis of real-world studies.

Characteristics of Critical Care Pharmacy Services in Saudi Arabia.

Purpose: Critical care pharmacists (CCPs) in intensive care units (ICUs) are associated with improved patient outcomes, reduced adverse events (ADEs), and reduced mortality rates. This study aimed to describe the activities and pharmacy services provided by CCP in ICUs in hospitals in Saudi Arabia (SA).

Methods: In this cross-sectional prospective study, a questionnaire was electronically sent to CCPs practicing in SA between September 2022 and January 2023.

Clinical pharmacy services in acute care setting during mass gatherings (Hajj): Insights from a task force.

Background: Hajj is the largest mass gathering worldwide that takes place every year in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive guide and expectations for delivering and optimizing clinical pharmacy services during one of the largest mass gatherings in the world, Hajj pilgrimage METHODS: A task force initiated and included members of clinical pharmacists who previously participated in delivering clinical pharmacy services during the Hajj pilgrimage, members of the Saudi Society of Clinical Pharmacy (SSCP), and policymakers from different sectors and representatives from pharmaceutical care of the Ministry of Health (MOH). The members established an expert task force to conceptualize and draft the proposed suggestions highlighting the roles and responsibilities of clinical pharmacists during the annual Hajj season.

Point prevalence of delirium among critically ill patients in Saudi Arabia: A multicenter observational study.

Background: Delirium in critically ill patients is independently associated with poor clinical outcomes. There is a scarcity of published data on the prevalence of delirium among critically ill patients in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, we sought to determine, in a multicenter fashion, the prevalence of delirium in critically ill patients in Saudi Arabia and explore associated risk factors.

Predicting Patients' Intention to Use a Personal Health Record Using an Adapted Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology Model: Secondary Data Analysis.

Background: With the rise in the use of information and communication technologies in health care, patients have been encouraged to use eHealth tools such as personal health records (PHRs) for better health and well-being services. PHRs support patient-centered care and patient engagement. To support the achievement of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 ambitions, the National Transformation program provides a framework to use PHRs in meeting the 3-fold aim for health care-increased access, reduced cost, and improved quality of care-and to provide patient- and person-centered care.

Safety of Peripheral Administration of 3% Hypertonic Saline in Critically Ill Patients: A Literature Review.

Background: Hyponatremia and neurocritical injury are life-threatening conditions requiring immediate management with consideration of the safety concerns related to peripheral intravenous administration of hypertonic solutions. Although a central intravenous catheter is the preferred route of administration, central intravenous catheters have many complications and can potentially delay medication administration in urgent situations.

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of continuous infusion of 3% hypertonic saline via peripheral intravenous administration in critically ill adult patients.

Adoption of a Personal Health Record in the Digital Age: Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: As health care organizations strive to improve health care access, quality, and costs, they have implemented patient-facing eHealth technologies such as personal health records to better engage patients in the management of their health. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, eHealth is also growing in accordance with Vision 2030 and its National Transformation Program framework, creating a roadmap for increased quality and efficiency of the health care system and supporting the goal of patient-centered care.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the adoption of the personal health record of the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA Care).