Pharmacoeconomic Evaluation Of Pharmacist-Led Interventions In Saudi Arabia: Key Principles And Applications

Abstract

The Saudi healthcare system is undergoing significant transformation under Vision 2030, with increasing emphasis on value-based care and optimized resource allocation. This article examines the pharmacoeconomic evaluation of pharmacist-led interventions in Saudi Arabia, exploring the economic impact of expanded pharmacy services beyond traditional dispensing roles. A comprehensive review of the literature reveals that while global evidence consistently demonstrates favorable economic outcomes from pharmacist interventions, Saudi-specific economic evaluations remain limited. The article discusses fundamental pharmacoeconomic concepts including cost-benefit, cost-effectiveness, and cost-utility analyses, highlighting their application within the Saudi healthcare context. Available Saudi data indicate promising economic benefits from pharmacist interventions in hospital settings, chronic disease management, and medication therapy management, with reported cost savings and improved clinical outcomes. However, methodological challenges persist, including inconsistent evaluation approaches, limited long-term outcome data, and contextual factors unique to the Saudi healthcare system. The willingness-to-pay studies in neighboring countries suggest potential acceptance of expanded pharmacist services with appropriate patient education. As Saudi Arabia continues healthcare reform, robust pharmacoeconomic evaluations are essential to inform policy decisions, justify reimbursement models, and optimize pharmacist integration into multidisciplinary healthcare teams. Future research should focus on standardized methodologies, Saudi-specific cost-effectiveness thresholds, and economic evaluations of innovative pharmacy services aligned with Vision 2030 healthcare objectives.