Improving Heart Failure Management in Saudi Arabia: A Quality and Safety Improvement Project Using Telemedicine

Abstract

Heart failure is a common and complex healthcare problem in Saudi Arabia. Due to the lack of emphasis on primary and secondary prevention, the ageing population, and the increased prevalence of heart failure risk factors, especially among the younger population, the number of people with HF is expected to increase, leading to an increased burden on the national healthcare system in Saudi Arabia. This proposed quality improvement project will utilise telemedicine to monitor the progression of heart failure and heart failure risk factors, facilitate early identification of disease worsening and prompt referral to specialists, as well as educate people about the importance of managing their disease, in an effort to delay the development of heart failure and to improve the quality and safety of existing heart failure care in Saudi Arabia. Well-recognised quality improvement methodology and tools, including the Model for Improvement and Davidge’s Seven Steps to Measurement, supported by statistical process control charts as well as qualitative methods, will be used to guide the improvement process. A high emphasis will be placed on stakeholders involvement through an appropriate leadership style and engagement of stakeholders in the development of the design of this project at the early stages. This proposed quality improvement project provides a sustainable solution that is well-aligned with the vision of Saudi Arabia as well as the Institute of Medicine’s six domains of healthcare quality, taking advantage of a well-established technology infrastructure to tackle a persistent healthcare threat.