Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Clinical Experiences of Registered Nurses and Healthcare Professionals on Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Delivery of Care During the Hajj Mass Gatherings in Saudi Arabia.(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Alrabie, Thawab Khader Mold; Micheal, Brown; Billiejoan, Rice; Lynne, MarshBackground: The Hajj pilgrimage is one of the largest annual mass gatherings in the world, drawing millions of pilgrims from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. This event presents complex and unique challenges for healthcare systems, including the need to manage high patient volumes, prevent disease outbreaks, and respond to emergencies in overcrowded conditions. Ensuring effective healthcare delivery during the Hajj requires comprehensive disaster preparedness, culturally competent care, and robust interagency coordination. Healthcare professionals must be equipped to address both routine and critical care needs in a rapidly changing environment. A well-structured and collaborative healthcare strategy is essential to protect both pilgrims and healthcare professionals alike. Objective: This study aimed to explore the experiences and challenges faced by registered nurses and healthcare professionals during the Hajj mass gathering, with a focus on disaster preparedness, response, and healthcare delivery. Methods: A qualitative exploratory design was adopted in this research. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 healthcare professionals, comprising ten registered nurses, six paramedics, six practical educators, and five physicians from the cities of Taif and Makkah in Saudi Arabia. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, where necessary, and translated into English to ensure consistency and clarity. Data were then analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, allowing for the identification of core themes grounded in participants’ narratives. NVivo software was used to support the coding process and facilitate efficient data organisation and management. Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia and confirmed by Queen’s University Belfast. Findings: This study integrated evidence from a systematic literature review and primary qualitative interviews to provide a comprehensive understanding of disaster preparedness and response among healthcare professionals during the Hajj. The systematic review identified three main themes: (1) Disaster Preparedness, with sub-themes of Mass Gatherings and Hajj Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Preparedness in Non-Mass Gathering Contexts, and Awareness of Disaster Policies and Protocols; (2) Experiences and Challenges in Disaster Response, with the sub-theme Experiences and Challenges in Disaster Response; and (3) Educa on and Training, with sub-themes of Learning and Development Needs in Disaster Care and Content of Disaster xii Care in Nursing Curricula. These findings highlight the critical need for structured planning, policy awareness, and targeted training to support healthcare professionals in both mass-gathering and general disaster contexts. The qualitative interviews with registered nurses, paramedics, practice educators, and physicians complemented the systematic review by providing practical, Hajj-specific insights. Individual analyses of each participant group were synthesised to identify five overarching themes: Hajj preparedness, disaster management, patient care management, communication and coordination, and psychological and physical strains. Together, the systematic review and qualitative findings underscore the importance of technical expertise, emotional resilience, cultural sensitivity, interprofessional teamwork, advanced technologies, strong leadership, and collaborative systems to ensure effective disaster response and optimal patient outcomes during the Hajj. Conclusion: The findings offer an in-depth understanding of the operational and emotional demands on healthcare professionals during the Hajj. They suggest the need for enhanced training, mental health support, and systemic coordination to strengthen healthcare delivery during mass gatherings. These insights can inform policy and planning to improve preparedness and resilience in similar high-density settings.27 0Item Restricted Perceptions of Clinical Healthcare Providers Regarding Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS) in Surgical Practice: A Qualitative Systematic Review(Saudi Digital Library, 2026) Alkhaldi, Njoud Khaled; Sarika, MohanBackground: The utilisation of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) is expanding in modern healthcare, providing enhanced precision, ergonomic advantages and improved patient outcomes. However, the integration of this technology into surgical practice remains complex. Although healthcare providers (HCPs) hold central importance in RAS, their experiences and perceptions have yet to be examined, limiting the insights necessary to guide effective implementation strategies. Objective: The objective of this study is to identify the key challenges HCPs face in RAS and to explore the impact of RAS on workflow, team interactions and clinical staff well-being. This is crucial to determine the key enablers for successful implementation of RAS based on perceptions and experiences of HCPs. Method: A qualitative systematic review was conducted using SPIDER framework following PRISMA and ENTREQ guidelines to explore perceptions of HCPs regarding RAS. Six databases alongside hand searching and citation chaining were used to systematically search for peer-reviewed studies that are published within the past five years (2020-2025) and in English language with full-text availability. Additionally, focusing on studies of either qualitative or mixed-method study design with an extractable qualitative component that is about the perceptions and experiences of HCPs towards RAS. Seventeen studies were included, critically appraised using CASP checklist and used for data extraction. Thematic analysis and synthesis were used for data analysis. Results: Three main themes and 10 sub-themes were identified indicating the following challenges: lack of structured training, technology-related stress, increased workload, and logistical or financial limitations. Additionally, the unequal access to RAS training opportunities among HCPs led to variability in skills and preparedness throughout institutions. Synthesis indicated that RAS is restructuring clinical workflows and professional identities, requiring significant facilitators including structured training, teamwork, leadership, technological advancements, and governance frameworks for successful and sustainable implementation. Conclusion: Despite the vital clinical and technological promise of RAS, successful implementation requires structured training, supportive leadership, developed infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and reallocation of roles and responsibilities.10 0Item Restricted The Views and Experiences of Registered Nurses in Delivering Trauma Care as a Result of the Conflict at the Saudi Southern Border(Queen’s University Belfast, 2024-01) Sadhaan, Abdullah Faisal; Brown, MichaelBackground: Registered Nurses (RNs) provide care and support for patients affected by major traumatic injuries and can be challenged in meeting their physical, cognitive and emotional demands. RNs in trauma care settings are often exposed to threats and fear that affect them personally and professionally. RNs may lack the proper support to meet their emotional needs because of caring for trauma patients. Therefore, it is necessary to gain an understanding of their views and experiences to improve the clinical and personal experiences of trauma RNs serving in the Intensive Care Units (ICU) and Emergency Departments (ED) located in hospitals in the conflict zones along the Saudi-Yemen border. Aim: To identify the views and experiences of RNs providing care for patients requiring trauma care at the Saudi southern border because of the conflict. Methodology: A qualitative method using Thematic analysis (TA) was adopted to gather insights from the respondents. The thematic analysis used a homogeneous purposeful sample from a population of RNs working in the ED and ICU. Semi-structured interviews with 12 RNs were used to collect data while the insights gathered were analysed using the thematic analysis method developed and supported by Braun and Clarke (2006). Findings: The qualitative study established varied views and experiences of the trauma care RNs provide while working in the ED and ICUs. The RNs offered timely trauma care for the injured patients in the conflict zone along Saudi-Yemen border. The findings showed the views and experiences encompassed trauma care provision, education and practice development of RNs, barriers, and solutions to the barriers to the provision of trauma care. The views and experiences of the RNs about trauma care in the ED implied the existence of different models of trauma care. Their role in providing trauma care and the challenges in the ED such as communication barriers, teams or lines of communication, patient advocacy and support, and practice development for the dedicated intensive care operations. The models of trauma care mentioned by the xii respondents were ATLS model of trauma care, Canadian triaging system, and the team- oriented system of delivering trauma care. On the other hand, ED RNs faced challenges of organisation and resourcefulness and inadequate use of international trauma protocol standards. Education and practice development needs of the ED RNs were integral to the experience of delivering quality trauma care. Additionally, the primary barriers included professional, environmental, and organisational obstacles. The RNs described solutions to the barriers such as infrastructural changes, proper education and development, holding debriefing sessions, and development of trauma care teams. The analysis gathered that the ICU RNs had diverse views and experiences on trauma care for the patients from the Saudi-Yemen border. The themes from the analysis included building confidence, gathering or sharing knowledge, and understanding of offering trauma care in the ICU. The themes further include nurse-patient ratio, communication, proper organisation, and resource provision to the trauma RNs. Other findings discovered that the organisation and resource encompassed concerns such as staff shortage, excessive workload, and language barriers. Conversely, the key facilitators of trauma care in the ICU included teams or lines of communication, practice development for the RNs, and support from the hospital management through the equipment, and materials. The major practice and development needs found from the respondents included continuous learning and ATLS-based guidelines. However, the key barriers to trauma care delivery in the ICU include insufficient specialist trauma centres, a high number of trauma patients, and security threats. The ICU RNs proposed solutions such as access to education and practice development, access to the organisational resources, evidence-decision- making, workforce management initiatives, family and patient involvement, protocol and policy development in the ICU. Discussion and Conclusion: The discussion of the key findings was anchored on moral injury theory. The theory denotes the disturbing social, professional, behavioural, and psychological exposures affecting the trauma RNs’ moral beliefs and individual values. The RNs providing trauma care to patients from the conflict zones faced challenges and experiences that deviated from their moral beliefs, particularly within the context of their xiii nursing practice. The suffering at the patient and professional level altered the nurses’ views, social acceptance, connectedness, belonging, trust, and ability to engage with the practice. The study concludes that RNs in the ED and ICUs need additional courses, resources, security, debriefing sessions, incentives to work in the conflict zones. Future studies should use longitudinal designs to identify the effectiveness of overtime pay and hardship allowances in reducing the turnover rates of RNs serving in conflict zones.42 0Item Restricted What Saudi Women Needed to Achieve a Leadership Position(Dalal Alghamdi, 2023-07-15) Alghamdi, Dalal; Donne, VickiThroughout the years, Saudi Arabia has faced widespread gender gaps, discrimination, and inequality; however, due to 2030 visions, government reforms, and law changes, there has been an improvement in women's rights which has led to a significant increase in women's employment. Saudi women today are better educated, more informed, and more financially independent than ever, which has ushered in a rising process of women's empowerment. From interviews with eight Saudi women leaders, this paper discusses Saudi women’s leadership experiences and the various possibilities for improving women’s leadership experiences, such as social support, societal changes in cultural practices, and improving Islamic principles regarding women’s roles. Also discussed within the paper are recommendations including how education, training, Islamic religion, and self-belief would help Saudi women overcome some barriers to leadership opportunities.35 0Item Restricted Exploring the Experiences and Perceptions of Computed Tomography Radiologists and Radiographers Towards Introducing Artificial Intelligence Innovations in Their Practice in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.(2023-04-03) Alsloum, Nada; Jason, ElliottBackground Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the ability of machines to accomplish tasks that traditionally require human intelligence. In the healthcare sector, especially in the radiology field, AI has found the optimal environment to flourish and several applications have been incorporated into daily radiology workflow. This rapid integration of AI into radiology practice could have a significant impact on key radiology professionals, namely radiologists and radiographers, especially in Saudi Arabia, which aims to be the global leader in AI by 2030 under a strategic plan known as Vision 2030. Methodology A qualitative study was conducted to explore computed tomography radiographers’ and radiologists’ experiences and perceptions regarding AI adoption into radiology practice. To achieve this, eight semi-structured online interviews were conducted with six radiographers and two radiologists. The Participants were purposively sampled from three different governmental hospitals in Najran, KSA. Audio recordings of the interviews were manually transcribed and analysed by employing thematic analysis. Three themes emerged from the interviews: (1) the knowledge of radiology professionals about AI, (2) the attitudes of radiology professionals towards AI, and (3) the current AI practice in radiology. Two additional themes focused on the drivers and barriers to AI adoption in Saudi radiology practice were identified. Results The findings revealed that most radiology professionals were adequately knowledgeable about AI and its applications in radiology, although they had received no formal education or dedicated training on AI. Positivity and excitement regarding AI integration were expressed by most of the participants, and all of them were willing to use AI-based tools during their routine work. Furthermore, they generally believed in the positive impact that AI would have on radiology practice and patient care. In current radiology practice, several AI applications were used by some participants. This generally positive attitude was mainly driven by AI-appropriate awareness, Saudi Vision 2030, the perceived benefits of AI, and local champion. Despite the overall positivity, some concerns related to job insecurity, skills degradation, AI’s limited accuracy, and related medico-legal issues were raised by some participants. These concerns, in addition to the lack of AI education and training, AI-related costs, and resistance to change, were considered the main barriers to AI adoption in Saudi radiology practice. This warrants an urgent need to introduce AI-related subjects into Saudi radiology curricula, provide dedicated AI training for radiology professionals, and establish an adoption strategy and clear regulations for AI clinical use.105 0