ADOPTION OF INNOVATIVE HEALTH INFORMATICS APPLICATIONS IN HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT IN SAUDI ARABIA
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2024-09-29
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
SWANSEA UNIVERSITY
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to explore the adoption of innovative health informatics
technologies in the Saudi Arabian healthcare sector. It focuses on assessing the
opportunities that these technologies present for improving healthcare management, as
well as the challenges that arise during their implementation. The objective is to evaluate
the impact of these technologies (e.g., telemedicine, artificial intelligence (AI), and
electronic health records (EHRs)) on the efficiency of healthcare delivery, patient care
and management processes in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A scoping review methodology was applied to identify and analyse existing the
literature relating to health informatics in Saudi Arabia. Databases including Google
Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and CINAHL were systematically searched
using relevant keywords. The PRISMA framework was employed for screening and
selection purposes to consider studies published between 2014 and 2024. The inclusion
criteria covered articles that discussed the adoption of disruptive technologies. Articles
were critically appraised using the CASP framework to ensure reliability and relevance.
Results: The review revealed that innovations involving telemedicine, AI and EHRs have
positively impacted the healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia by improving patient care,
reducing diagnostic errors and enhancing communication between healthcare providers
and patients. Telemedicine has facilitated access to healthcare in remote areas, whereas
AI has improved predictive diagnostics. However, several challenges were identified,
including high implementation costs, data security risks, a lack of training for healthcare
professionals, and resistance to the adoption of new technologies.
Conclusions: Innovative health informatics technologies offer significant opportunities to
improve the delivery of healthcare in Saudi Arabia. To maximise their potential, there is a
need for enhanced staff training, stronger data protection measures and sustained
government support. Addressing these challenges will be crucial to ensure the successful
integration of these technologies into the healthcare system.
Description
Keywords
Artificial Intelligence: AI Electronic Health Records: EHRs Theory of Acceptance Model: TAM Diffusion of Innovation Theory: (DoI) Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology: (UTAUT)
Citation
Alaboudi, A., Atkins, A., Sharp, B., Balkhair, A., Alzahrani, M., & Sunbul, T. (2016). Barriers and challenges in adopting Saudi telemedicine network: The perceptions of decision makers of healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia. Journal of infection and public health, 9(6), 725-733. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40747-016-0021-9 Alharbi, M. A. (2018). The status quo of health information technology and health information management efficiency in Saudi Arabia: a narrative review. Int J Health Res Innov, 6(1), 11-23. Alshahrani, A., Stewart, D., & MacLure, K. (2019). A systematic review of the adoption and acceptance of eHealth in Saudi Arabia: Views of multiple stakeholders. International journal of medical informatics, 128, 7-17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2019.05.007