Improving Understanding of the Health Informatics Landscape in Saudi Arabia: An Evidence-Based Learning Resource to Help Health Informaticians in the UK

Abstract

Health informatics is increasingly recognised as a transformative force within healthcare systems. However, consolidated knowledge of Saudi Arabia’s health informatics landscape remains limited and scattered, making it challenging for professionals outside the country to engage effectively. This study aimed to develop a user-centred, evidence-based educational resource explaining Saudi Arabia’s health informatics landscape, tailored for UK-based health informaticians.

A three-phase mixed-methods design was adopted. Phase 1 involved a structured survey of 23 UK health informaticians to assess their awareness of the Saudi Arabian health informatics landscape, identify key learning priorities, and determine their preferred learning resource formats. Results showed that 96% of respondents had minimal familiarity with Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system and its digital health initiatives. Key learning needs identified included governance and legal frameworks, healthcare system organisation, data standards and interoperability, technology infrastructure, public health initiatives, and strategic planning. Digital documents were the most preferred format selected by 38% of participants.

Phase 2 involved reviewing credible sources, including government publications, policy documents, and peer-reviewed literature, to collect information on Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system and health informatics landscape. This material was analysed and organised according to the learning priorities identified in Phase 1, then assembled into a Wikipedia-style resource with modular sections covering system structure, regulatory authorities, digital health initiatives, interoperability frameworks, public health data, and Vision 2030 reforms. Phase 3 sought stakeholder validation, but no feedback was received during the collection period.

The resulting resource is systematically structured and intended to be publicly accessible and continuously updatable, providing a reliable reference on Saudi Arabia’s health informatics landscape and serving as a starting point for further exploration. Its organised format and curated content enable generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to interpret and cite the resource itself, improving the accuracy and credibility of the information they generate on Saudi Arabia’s health informatics.