Role of nurses in the management of noncommunicable diseases in Middle Eastern countries: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND

Chronic diseases affect over 20 million people in the Middle East, posing major public health challenges. Task shifting-particularly nurse-led care-is a promising strategy to address care gaps; however, yet its scope and effectiveness in this region remain poorly documented.

PURPOSE: This scoping review aimed to describe nurses' roles in chronic disease management across the Middle East, assess their knowledge levels, and identify existing challenges.

METHODS

Following Cochrane guidelines, we searched six databases (January-February 2024), screened studies in duplicate, and conducted a descriptive analysis. Study quality was appraised using the Downs and Black checklist (quantitative) and the CASP checklist (qualitative).

DISCUSSION: Sixty-seven studies were included. Nurses were involved in various domains such as palliative care, diabetes management, patient education, and pandemic response. Key barriers included limited training, emotional burden, and cultural taboos.

CONCLUSION

Nurses play a critical yet under-recognized role. Strengthening education, policy support, and advanced roles is vital to improving chronic disease care in the region.

REPORTING METHOD: PRISMA.