Assessing Physicians' and Nurses' Awareness of Health Educators' Roles and Its Impact on Patient Experience in Healthcare Settings: A Cross-sectional Study in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND

Health educators play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes by fostering communication, enhancing treatment adherence, and promoting health education. However, limited awareness of their roles among healthcare professionals may hinder interdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of health education in clinical settings.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the awareness of physicians and nurses regarding the roles of health educators and examine their impact on patient experience in Saudi Arabian healthcare settings.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 192 physicians and nurses across various healthcare facilities. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing knowledge, awareness, and perceived importance of health educators. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, were performed to examine associations between awareness levels and demographic characteristics.

RESULTS

Findings indicate that 69.27% of participants demonstrated high awareness of health educators' roles, while 22.92% exhibited limited understanding of their presence in healthcare settings. Awareness levels were significantly associated with years of experience. Additionally, 90.10% of participants acknowledged the critical role of health educators in enhancing patient experience, emphasizing the need for their structured integration into healthcare teams.

CONCLUSION

Although healthcare professionals generally acknowledge the importance of health educators, gaps in awareness, presence, and roles persist. To address these gaps, healthcare institutions should integrate structured training programs and interprofessional education to enhance collaboration among healthcare professionals, thereby improving patient outcomes.