Description
Replay 1: ALJAWHARAH ALOTAIBI: The Cooperative Health Insurance Act (CHIA) in Saudi Arabia
Introduction
In Saudi Arabia, the Cooperative Health Insurance Act (CHIA) mandates private-sector
employers to provide health insurance for all employees, including expatriates, significantly
expanding coverage and improving access to healthcare (Hazazi et al., 2022). The Council of
Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI) oversees its implementation, ensuring compliance among
insurers and employers (Alzahrani et al., 2025). This regulation has transformed healthcare
delivery, fostering private health insurance growth, enhancing system sustainability, and
reducing government financial burdens (Alzahrani et al., 2025). Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030,
CHIA supports privatization and investment in healthcare infrastructure to improve service
quality and patient outcomes. However, challenges remain in achieving universal health
coverage, affordability, and quality care, necessitating continuous reforms (Alzahrani et al.,
2025).
Stakeholders Affected by the CHIA and Their Roles
The Cooperative Health Insurance Act (CHIA) is a key regulatory framework in Saudi
Arabia that mandates private sector employers to provide health insurance for their employees,
including expatriates. This law aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to enhance healthcare
access, quality, and efficiency (Mani & Goniewicz, 2024). The main stakeholders affected by
this regulation include private sector employers, who are legally required to provide health
insurance to employees, ensuring their access to medical care (Mughal, 2023). This
responsibility enhances workplace productivity and aligns with employer-sponsored insurance
models in healthcare economics (Al-Hanawi et al., 2019). Employees, both Saudi nationals and
expatriates, benefit from mandatory insurance coverage, which improves healthcare access and
reduces financial burden. This policy aligns with the principle of universal health coverage
(UHC), ensuring healthcare is provided without financial hardship (Alqutub, 2022). Health
insurance companies play a critical role in managing claims, assessing risks, and setting
premium rates to maintain financial sustainability within the healthcare market, incorporating
risk pooling and adverse selection theories from health economics (Al-Hanawi et al., 2019).
Additionally, healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, face
increased patient demand due to expanded insurance coverage, necessitating improvements in
service quality and operational capacity (Al-Zahrani et al., 2023). This aligns with healthcare
quality management principles aimed at enhancing efficiency and patient satisfaction. Lastly,
government and regulatory bodies such as the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI)
and the Ministry of Health (MOH) ensure compliance, safeguard patient rights, and regulate
service quality. Their role follows the health policy and governance framework, ensuring
equitable and effective healthcare service delivery (Alqutub, 2022).
Impact on Access, Quality of Care and Cost of Healthcare.
The implementation of the Cooperative Health Insurance Act (CHIA) has brought
transformative changes to healthcare delivery in Saudi Arabia, significantly affecting access,
quality, and cost. Firstly, access to healthcare has improved markedly as mandated health
insurance expands coverage for employees and expatriates, particularly in the private sector
(Alqutub, 2022). This aligns with global health equity goals, ensuring individuals receive
essential medical care regardless of income or nationality (Mani & Goniewicz, 2024). By
extending coverage to previously underserved groups, CHIA has facilitated earlier intervention
and management of health issues, reducing disparities in care. Additionally, the increase in
insured populations has led to greater demand for healthcare services, prompting hospitals and
clinics to expand their capacity and infrastructure to accommodate this growth.
Secondly, the act has driven significant improvements in the quality of care. The
increased competition among healthcare providers to attract insured patients has incentivized
service enhancements, including investments in advanced technologies and staff training.
Accreditation standards set by the Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare
Institutions (CBAHI) have played a pivotal role in ensuring that healthcare facilities meet
rigorous safety and quality benchmarks (Alsaedi et al., 2023). Furthermore, the application of
Total Quality Management (TQM) and Lean Six Sigma methodologies has enabled healthcare
providers to optimize processes, reduce inefficiencies, and improve patient outcomes (AlHanawi et al., 2019). For instance, many hospitals have adopted digital health technologies, such
as electronic health records (EHRs) and AI-powered diagnostic tools, to enhance patientcentered care and streamline workflows, thereby contributing to better clinical outcomes.
Thirdly, CHIA has had a dual impact on healthcare costs. On the positive side, expanded
insurance coverage has promoted better financial risk pooling, reducing the out-of-pocket
expenses for individuals and shielding them from catastrophic healthcare costs (Alsaedi et al.,
2023). This has significantly alleviated the financial burden on low-income expatriates and their
families. However, the rapid increase in healthcare utilization has posed challenges in managing
costs effectively. Moral hazard, where insured individuals may overuse healthcare services and
overutilization have contributed to rising expenditures in the healthcare system (Al-Hanawi et
al., 2019). This is particularly evident in cases where unnecessary diagnostic tests or treatments
are ordered. Policymakers face the challenge of balancing accessibility and quality while
containing costs, requiring innovative strategies like tiered insurance plans, co-payments, and
preventive care programs to curb excessive utilization.
Alignment with Saudi Vision 2030
The Cooperative Health Insurance Act (CHIA) is a key part of Saudi Arabia’s healthcare
system, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030. It focuses on privatization and modernization,
improving service quality and efficiency by increasing private sector participation in healthcare
(Alasiri & Mohammed, 2022). By fostering competition, CHIA drives better service quality and
patient satisfaction (Alasiri & Mohammed, 2022). The integration of digital health technologies
is another priority, streamlining operations, enhancing patient engagement, and improving health
outcomes (Chowdhury et al., 2021). Additionally, CHIA promotes investment in healthcare
infrastructure and advanced medical technologies, strengthening the system to meet the needs of
a growing and aging population (Chowdhury et al., 2021).
Beyond modernization, CHIA supports innovative, patient-centered service delivery
models. A core goal of Vision 2030 is achieving universal health coverage (UHC), ensuring
equitable access to healthcare without financial hardship, which CHIA facilitates by mandating
health insurance for private-sector employees (Alasiri & Mohammed, 2022). Looking forward,
the emphasis is on sustainability and cost-effectiveness, requiring technological advancements,
policy reforms, and strategic investments to maintain a high-quality, financially sustainable
healthcare system in line with Vision 2030 (Chowdhury et al., 2021).
Conclusion
The Cooperative Health Insurance Act (CHIA) has transformed Saudi Arabia’s
healthcare system, aligning with Vision 2030 by promoting privatization, modernization, and
improved service quality (Alasiri & Mohammed, 2022). By expanding health insurance to all
private-sector employees, CHIA has enhanced access and reduced financial burdens on
individuals and the government (Hazazi et al., 2022). It has also driven competition among
providers, improving service quality and efficiency (Alsaedi et al., 2023). The adoption of digital
health technologies has streamlined operations and enhanced patient-centered care, supporting
universal health coverage (UHC) (Chowdhury et al., 2021). However, challenges like cost
management and sustainability remain (Al-Hanawi et al., 2019). Ongoing policy reforms,
investments, and innovation are crucial to maintaining a high-quality, cost-effective healthcare
system, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals (Mani & Goniewicz, 2024).
References
Al-Hanawi, M. K., Khan, S. A., & Al-Borie, H. M. (2019). Healthcare human resource
development in Saudi Arabia: emerging challenges and opportunities—a critical
review. Public Health Reviews, 40(1).
Al-Zahrani, H., Al-Maliki, W., Alotaibi, T., Alasheer, A., & Almubarak, D. (2023). The impact
of health insurance coverage on improving healthcare quality in Saudi
Arabia. International Journal of Bio-Medical Informatics and e-Health, 11(6), 24–
28.
Alasiri, A. A., & Mohammed, V. (2022). Healthcare transformation in Saudi Arabia: An
overview since the launch of Vision 2030. Health Services Insights, 15,
117863292211212.
Alqutub, S. T. (2022). Assessment of Beneficiaries’ Satisfaction with Access to Health Care and
Barriers within the Health Delivery System in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Journal of Health
Systems Research, 2(4), 156–163.
Alsaedi, A., Sukeri, S., Yaccob, N. M., & Almazroea, A. (2023). Impact of the accreditation
Program of the Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions on the
safety dimension of the Institute of Medicine Quality. Journal of Multidisciplinary
Healthcare, Volume 16, 1179–1190.
Alzahrani, A. A., Pavlova, M., Alsubahi, N., Ahmad, A., & Groot, W. (2025). Impact of the
cooperative Health insurance System in Saudi Arabia on Universal Health Coverage—A
Systematic Literature Review. Healthcare, 13(1),
60.
Chowdhury, P., Paul, S. K., Kaisar, S., & Moktadir, M. A. (2021). COVID-19 pandemic related
supply chain studies: A systematic review. Transportation Research Part E Logistics
and Transportation Review, 148, 102271.
Hazazi, A., Wilson, A., & Larkin, S. (2022). Reform of the health insurance funding model to
improve the care of noncommunicable diseases patients in Saudi
Arabia. Healthcare, 10(11), 2294.
Mani, Z. A., & Goniewicz, K. (2024). Transforming Healthcare in Saudi Arabia: A
Comprehensive evaluation of Vision 2030’s impact. Sustainability, 16(8),
3277.
Mughal, Y. H. (2023). WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR HEALTH INSURANCE: THE CROSSSECTIONAL STUDY IN SAUDI ARABIA. Journal of Social Sciences
Development, 02(02), 134–142.
Replay 2: SHOUQ ALSHEHRI :Saudi Arabian Healthcare Law Regulating the Industry
Saudi Arabian Healthcare Law Regulating the Industry
Healthcare serves as a cornerstone of a nation’s progress, influencing societal well-being
and economic stability. In Saudi Arabia, the Law of Practicing Healthcare Professions or the
Saudi Health Practice Law, which was established in 2005, ensures ethical, professional
healthcare practices and thus shapes the conduct of healthcare professionals (SaudiPedia, 2024).
This law mandates that individuals secure a recognized qualification, complete an internship, and
obtain a Ministry of Health license before practicing. It prohibits unlicensed operations, financial
exploitation, and unethical advertising to protect patients (Shihah et al., 2022). Through these
regulations, the law fosters accountability, reinforces public trust, and aligns with the nation’s
Vision 2030 goals of achieving superior healthcare standards.
The law impacts multiple stakeholders since it depicts their responsibilities within the
healthcare industry. These stakeholders include healthcare practitioners such as physicians,
pharmacists, and technicians, who must meet qualification and licensing criteria to ensure ethical
service delivery. However, in this, the Ministry of Health oversees compliance, grants licenses,
and enforces penalties for violations, safeguarding public safety (Shihah et al., 2022). Patients
benefit as the law protects them from malpractice since, when taken into action, there are skilled
personnel who align with ethical standards and care. Furthermore, healthcare institutions are also
crucial stakeholders, responsible for hiring qualified practitioners, adhering to malpractice
insurance mandates, and maintaining operational compliance. For example, hospitals are
obligated to carry malpractice insurance (Olden, 2019). This, therefore, determines how
accountable they are and largely protects the patients from either financial exploitation or health
considerations (Olden, 2019). When these roles are fully enhanced, there is institutional integrity.
However, this regulation has a notable impact on healthcare quality, cost, and access in
Saudi Arabia. Professional practice regulation and ethics, in terms of licensing, lowers the
probability of professional misconduct and brings service reliability. The compulsory medical
malpractice insurance hikes the cost of doing business for institutions but helps them avoid stuffy
payouts, making them more financially sustainable (Rabiah, 2020). On this side, the law
enhances access by protecting the patient from unqualified practitioners who may subject
patients to quack medical procedures and services. One example concerns maintaining
professional standards even in small rural centers; the Ministry has felt it necessary to regulate
access to healthcare services in those regions as well (SaudiPedia, 2024). These measures
correlate with those of the Saudi Vision 2030 since it focuses on establishing a sustainable
healthcare system, increasing the health status of the population and accomplishing international
standards of providing care.
References
Olden, P. (2019). Management of healthcare organizations (3rd ed.). Chicago: Health
Administration Press.
Rabiah, T. F. (2020). Law of practicing healthcare
professions.
SaudiPedia. (2024, December 9). Law of practicing healthcare professions in Saudi Arabia.
Saudipedia.
%20following%20conditions,or%20any%20other%20qualifications%20required
Shihah, A. S. B., Alrashed, A. H., Al-Abduljabbar, K. A., Alamri, H. A., Shafiq, M., Ahmed, M.
N., & Alkhenizan, A. H. (2022). Awareness of medical law among health care practitioners in
Saudi Arabia. Saudi medical journal, 43(8), 954–
958.
Replay 3: HADEEL ALSNBUL The Cooperative Health Insurance Law in KSA
The Cooperative Health Insurance Law in KSA
The Cooperative Health Insurance Law is one of the laws regulating the healthcare
industry in Saudi Arabia. This law was passed in 2005 (Al-Nozha, 2024). It requires employers
to provide their non-Saudi employees and their dependents with health insurance. The law was
later revised to also include Saudi nationals working in the private sector. This health insurance
should cover all essential medical services such as consultations, treatments, medication, surgery
and emergency care. The law also stipulates that such health insurance must only be obtained
from insurance providers accredited by the Council of Comprehensive Health Insurance (AlNozha, 2024). This measure is to ensure that the insurance plans offer sufficient coverage and
meet the required standards. Compliance with the Health Insurance Law is enforced through
collaborative effort between the CCHI and the Ministry of Labor. Employers who fail to adhere
to this law face significant consequences such as fines and penalties (Al-Nozha, 2024). Similarly,
expatriates without health insurance not only have difficulties accessing healthcare in the
kingdom but also risk visa renewal challenges and even deportation.
There are several stakeholders for the Cooperative Health Insurance Law. They include
employers, employees covered and their dependents, health insurance providers, medical
facilities and regulatory authorities such as the Council of Cooperative Health Insurance and the
Ministry of Labor (Al-Nozha, 2024). The successful implementation of this law has been
attributed to cooperation between these stakeholders and their compliance with the requirements
of the law.
The Cooperative Health Insurance law has significant impact on the quality, cost and
access of healthcare in the kingdom. Prior to the implementation of this law, healthcare was
funded solely by the Saudi government and provided through a network of public hospitals and
healthcare centers throughout the kingdom (Rahman & Qattan, 2021). While this ensured that
all the Saudi and non-Saudi people had access to healthcare services, it also posed significant
challenges. For instance, the government’s expenditure on healthcare was high and was rising at
an unprecedented rate (Rahman & Qattan, 2021). Additionally, access and quality of healthcare
were also compromised as the public healthcare facilities experienced high volumes of patients
leading to long wait times. With the introduction of the Cooperative Health Insurance Law, the
Saudi government has been able to reduce its healthcare expenditure as non-Saudi nationals and
employees in the private sector now pay for healthcare through private health insurance.
Similarly, the law has increased access to healthcare for Saudi nationals seeking services from
public health facilities as patient volumes in these facilities has reduced with the introduction of
private health insurance (Alkhamis, 2017). For expatriates, the law has also increased their
access to quality healthcare services through private health facilities in the kingdom.
Undoubtedly, the Cooperative Health Insurance Law has effectively transformed the healthcare
industry in Saudi Arabia.
References
Alkhamis, A. A. (2017). Critical analysis and review of the literature on healthcare privatization
and its association with access to medical care in Saudi Arabia. Journal of Infection and Public
Health, 10(3), 258-268.
Al-Nozha, O. M. (2024). Key aspects of the Saudi healthcare system reform and the potential
impact on the main stakeholders: A qualitative study. Journal of Taibah University Medical
Sciences, 19(3), 598-610.
Rahman, R., & Qattan, A. (2021). Vision 2030 and sustainable development: state capacity to
revitalize the healthcare system in Saudi Arabia. INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care
Organization, Provision, and Financing, 58, 0046958020984682.
HCM-515: Health Law and Ethics Dis 1
Replay 1: MARYAM QURBAN : The Influence of Ethical Principles on Healthcare and
Vision 2030
Vision 2030 is Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plan to transform its economic, social, and healthcare
landscape by emphasizing sustainability, innovation, and the well-being of its citizens. Ethical
principles, such as beneficence, justice, and autonomy, are deeply embedded in the initiatives of
Vision 2030, particularly in the healthcare sector, ensuring equitable and quality healthcare for
all.
Ethical Principles Underpinning Vision 2030 in Healthcare
1. Beneficence: The idea of beneficence supports Vision 2030’s emphasis on improving
healthcare quality and safeguarding patient welfare. Vision 2030 illustrates its dedication to
enhancing health outcomes for all citizens and residents by broadening access to sophisticated
medical technologies and premier healthcare services.
2. Justice: Vision 2030 underscores equity and impartiality in the provision of healthcare
services. Efforts to enhance healthcare infrastructure in rural regions guarantee that marginalized
populations obtain fair access to vital medical services (Alharbi, 2018).
3-Autonomy: Prioritizing the empowerment of patients to make informed healthcare decisions.
Vision 2030 advocates for patient-centered care by improving transparency and accessibility of
health information via digital platforms.
Illustration of Vision 2030 in Healthcare
An illustration of Vision 2030 in action is the establishment of the Seha Virtual Hospital (SVH),
the largest virtual hospital globally. This initiative exemplifies ethical ideals by ensuring
equitable access to specialist healthcare treatments, particularly for people in distant regions.
Utilizing modern telemedicine technology, patients can consult specialists, minimizing travel
requirements and providing prompt care. This corresponds with justice and beneficence, as it
guarantees healthcare accessibility and improves overall patient outcomes (Alghamdi et al.,
2022).
Furthermore, Vision 2030 has launched initiatives to digitize health records and integrate
artificial intelligence in diagnoses, reflecting a dedication to innovation while maintaining ethical
standards. These initiatives guarantee that healthcare is both accessible and efficient, secure, and
compliant with international standards.
Conclusion
Vision 2030 embodies a robust ethical foundation that propels advancement in the healthcare
sector. By emphasizing beneficence, justice, and autonomy, it guarantees that healthcare
transformation adheres to the values of equity and excellence. The initiatives, including the Seha
Virtual Hospital, exemplify the application of ethical principles resulting in concrete
improvements in patient care, establishing a paradigm for sustainable healthcare development in
the Kingdom.
References
•
Alharbi, F. (2018). Leadership styles of nurse managers and their effects on nurse and
organizational performance, issues, and trends in Saudi hospitals. Saudi Journal of
Medicine & Medical Sciences, 6(2), 59-68.
•
Alghamdi, S., Alqahtani, N., & Alshehri, M. (2022). Seha Virtual Hospital: The future of
telemedicine in Saudi Arabia. Journal of Health Informatics in Developing Countries,
16(1), 45-55.
Replay 2: ABRAR ALFARDAN :M1
Ethical principles are foundational to healthcare, guiding professionals in delivering
care that respects patient rights and promotes well-being. The four primary ethical principles
in healthcare are:
1.Autonomy: Respecting a patient’s right to make informed decisions about their own care.
2.Beneficence: Acting in the best interest of the patient to promote good and prevent harm.
3.Non-maleficence: Avoiding actions that cause harm to patients.
4.Justice: Ensuring fairness in the distribution of healthcare resources and treatments.
These principles serve as a framework for ethical decision-making in medical
practice. (Chowdhury et al., 2021)
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a strategic initiative aimed at transforming various sectors,
including healthcare, to create a more efficient and patient-centered system. The ethical
principles underpinning Vision 2030 include:
•Equity and Transparency: Committing to fairness and openness in healthcare services.
•Excellence and Discipline: Striving for high standards and systematic approaches in
healthcare delivery.
•Moderation and Tolerance: Promoting balanced and inclusive healthcare practices.
These values are integral to achieving the goals set forth in Vision 2030. (Vision 2030)
An example of Vision 2030 in action within the Saudi healthcare sector is the Health Sector
Transformation Program. This initiative focuses on:
•Innovation: Integrating digital solutions and e-health services to enhance patient care.
•Financial Sustainability: Implementing efficient practices to ensure long-term viability of
healthcare services.
•Disease Prevention: Prioritizing preventive care to improve population health outcomes.
By aligning with ethical principles such as beneficence and justice, the program aims to
provide comprehensive and equitable healthcare services to all citizens. (Vision 2030)
In summary, ethical principles are central to both healthcare practice and the strategic
objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, ensuring that transformations in the healthcare
sector are conducted with integrity and respect for patient rights.
(Chowdhury et al., 2021; Varkey, 2021, vision 2030)
References
Chowdhury, S., Mok, D., & Leenen, L. (2021). Transformation of health care and the new
model of care in Saudi Arabia: Kingdom’s Vision 2030. Journal of Medicine and Life, 14(3),
347.
Varkey, B. (2021). Principles of clinical ethics and their application to practice. Medical
Principles and Practice, 30(1), 17–28.
Saudi vision 2030
Replay 3: NORAH ALGHERIBI
Ethical Principles Behind Vision 2030 in Healthcare
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a comprehensive framework aimed at diversifying the nation’s
economy and improving various sectors, including healthcare. This vision is underpinned by
ethical principles that guide the transformation of healthcare services to ensure quality,
efficiency, and sustainability.
Key Ethical Principles
1. Patient-Centered Care
Vision 2030 emphasizes respect for the dignity and autonomy of patients, advocating for
healthcare services tailored to individual needs and preferences. This approach aligns
with the ethical principle of respect for persons, which ensures that patients actively
participate in their healthcare decisions (Almalki et al., 2023).
2. Equity and Accessibility
The vision aims to provide equitable healthcare access across all regions and populations
in Saudi Arabia. This commitment reflects the ethical principle of justice, aiming to
reduce disparities and ensure fair treatment and opportunities for all individuals (Alharbi
& Alshammari, 2023).
3. Quality and Safety
Vision 2030 prioritizes high standards of care and patient safety. It promotes continuous
improvement in healthcare services, adhering to the ethical principle of beneficence,
which focuses on enhancing patient well-being (Alsulami, 2023).
4. Transparency and Accountability
A culture of transparency and accountability is a cornerstone of Vision 2030. Healthcare
providers are encouraged to be answerable for their actions, fostering trust within the
community and adhering to ethical standards (Alshahrani, 2023).
Example of Vision 2030 in Healthcare
An illustrative example of Vision 2030 in action is the integration of digital health
technologies in Saudi Arabia. The implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) and
telemedicine services has significantly improved healthcare accessibility and efficiency.
These advancements align with ethical principles by promoting equitable access to care and
respecting patient autonomy through informed decision-making (Almalki et al., 2023).
Conclusion
The ethical principles embedded in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030—patient-centered care,
equity, quality, transparency, and accountability—are instrumental in shaping a healthcare
system that upholds the dignity and well-being of all individuals. The ongoing reforms
demonstrate a strong commitment to these values, fostering a healthcare environment that
prioritizes patient needs and societal trust.
References
Alharbi, A., & Alshammari, H. (2023). Equity in healthcare access: The case of Saudi Arabia’s
Vision 2030. Journal of Public Health Policy, 34(2), 205–
217.
Almalki, M., Alshehri, A., & Alqahtani, S. (2023). Patient-centered care in Vision 2030:
Strategies for healthcare improvement. Saudi Medical Journal, 44(1), 12–
18.
Alshahrani, R. (2023). Transparency and accountability in healthcare reforms: Vision 2030
perspectives. Healthcare Management Review, 48(3), 150–
157.
Alsulami, T. (2023). Enhancing healthcare quality and safety under Vision 2030: Ethical
implications. International Journal of Healthcare Studies, 19(4), 301–
310.
Let me know if you’d like further refinements!
1
The Impact of COVID-19 on Population Health
Introduction
COVID-19 has shown emerging concerns that were already hidden. This has led to a
significant shift in the population’s health, which is well explained by Bakshi et al. (2021).
The stem of health issues in my community is the high incidence of mental health disorders
and inadequate health facilities. The most important one is the lack of access to health
facilities. This poses a challenge to the community’s ability to manage acute and chronic
diseases during the epidemic and in the epidemic period.
Limited Access to Healthcare Services
The pandemic strained healthcare systems by directing resources toward COVID-19
care. This is in addition to postponing regular and preventive medical services. Many people
delayed screenings, checkups, and elective operations. This resulted in late diagnosis and
consequences of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension (Boden et al., 2021).
Furthermore, low-income families frequently lacked access to healthcare facilities. This is
because of financial constraints and insufficient insurance coverage.
Mental Health Crisis
Furthermore, a mental health crisis of unparalleled proportions was brought on by the
pandemic. Anxiety and sadness flourished amid an atmosphere of economic instability and
social isolation. Schooling was disrupted for children and adolescents. On the other hand,
adults had to deal with job loss and more caregiving duties (Bakshi et al., 2021). The
increasing demand for mental health services was challenging.
Addressing the Issue
Increasing access to healthcare through mobile clinics and telemedicine services is
essential to reducing these problems. During the pandemic, telehealth was extremely helpful
in facilitating remote consultations. This was especially helpful for individuals residing in
2
remote or underserved locations (Boden et al., 2021). Furthermore, funding community-based
mental health initiatives and raising awareness of the available services can all offer muchneeded assistance.
Barriers to Change
Notwithstanding these initiatives, obstacles still exist, including a lack of financing,
differences in technology, and the stigma associated with mental health. Digital gaps must be
addressed to guarantee fair access to telehealth, especially for low-income households
without devices or internet connections (Bakshi et al., 2021). Furthermore, eradicating stigma
requires collective effort and time-consuming societal changes.
Policy Changes Post-Pandemic
Since the outbreak, policy changes have addressed these problems. For instance, the
federal and state governments have implemented mental health parity laws and telehealth
coverage expansion (Boden et al., 2021). Long-term gains, however, require consistent
funding and all-encompassing approaches.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic brought to light serious issues with public health, especially
mental health crises and restricted access to medical care. Innovative solutions and financial
resources are needed to address these problems. Prioritizing mental health care and fair
access to healthcare can help communities. This is by making them more resilient and better
equipped to face public health issues in the future.
3
References
Bakshi, S., Schiavoni, K. H., Carlson, L. C., Chang, T. E., Flaster, A. O., Forester, B. P., … &
Mendu, M. L. (2021). The essential role of population health during and beyond
COVID-19. American Journal of Managed Care, 27(3).
Boden, M., Zimmerman, L., Azevedo, K. J., Ruzek, J. I., Gala, S., Magid, H. S. A., … &
McLean, C. P. (2021). Addressing the mental health impact of COVID-19 through
population health. Clinical psychology review, 85, 102006.
HCM-570: Healthcare Information System
Replay 1 to Dr.Mray : RE: Leadership Strategies in EHR Adoption
Hi Sarah,
Great discussion! I completely agree that the staff must be included for exactly the reasons you
discuss. The end-users are highly trained knowledge workers and specialists in their areas of
expertise, so they are the subject matter experts that are needed to advise in the planning and
selection of the EHR that will best support their work. It is important to encourage innovation
when it meets the organization’s mission and strategic goals by using multidisciplinary
teams. We all have different experience and perspectives that can greatly improve the project
outcomes when these ideas are shared! What should leaders focus on to help achieve these goals?
Thank you,
Dr. Mary
Replay 2: SHOUQ ALSHEHRI
Electronic Health Records and Healthcare Leadership
Organizations understand that adopting technology, more so, electronic health records (EHR) in
the healthcare sector, can be a critical issue that determines whether there is success in the
organization or failure. As a result, organizations should have the necessary leadership to ensure
that there is full support in the implementation of EHR and that end-users’ functional needs of
the system are met. Notably, leadership plays a pivotal role as it helps in aligning the system with
end-user functional needs, besides ensuring it supports the achievement of healthcare
organization goals (Balgrosky, 2019). Attaining effective leadership in EHR implementation
helps achieve meaningful clinical and operational changes.
Meeting End-User Functional Needs
When formulating and designing EHR systems, it is necessary to meet the functional needs of
different end-users, including clinicians, nurses, administrative staff, medical professionals, and
patients. Leaders come to play a crucial role in facilitating the alignment of the system with the
end-user needs. Leaders help in fostering open communication channels, more so between
different stakeholders and the team implementing the system. Leaders ensure that numerous
stakeholders and end-users are engaged as early as the design stage and selection process to
guarantee that the EHR system integrates seamlessly into workflows. There is less resistance
when end-users are engaged (Talwar et al., 2023). Leadership also ensures that there is adequate
training and support. Leaders help end-users adapt to the new system by designing the best
training and support to improve their skills and understanding. Through leadership support and
training, errors are reduced, and efficiency is improved. Effective leaders expedite adequate
feedback loops, which enable continuous system improvement.
Enabling Business and Clinical Intelligence
Healthcare organizations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia strive to meet business and clinical
intelligence needs. One of the ways to do this is by having a well-implemented EHR system that
is guided by visionary leadership. Notably, having the right EHR system means that the
healthcare sector has a central repository that stores structured and unstructured data. The data is
used and analyzed to identify trends as well as to make informed decisions. Healthcare facilities
have better clinical intelligence when they analyze data in electronic health records (Kim et al.,
2019). EHR systems are equipped with robust data analytics capabilities. These capabilities help
track real-time metrics and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) like patient outcomes. By
having the right data metrics and identifying issues through data analysis, there is increased
system interoperability and standardization besides seamless data exchange across different
departments, which improves business efficiency and effectiveness.
In conclusion, when there is effective leadership, EHR implementation is successful. End-user
needs are catered to, and the data can be analyzed. in the end, there is improved leveraging of the
system’s capabilities for business and clinical intelligence.
References
Balgrosky, J. A. (2019). Understanding health information systems for the health
professions. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Khan S. (2020). The Role of Clinical Leadership in Health Information Technology Adoption in
the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: A Scoping Review. J Health Inform Manag (4)4.
Kim, E., Rubinstein, S. M., Nead, K. T., Wojcieszynski, A. P., Gabriel, P. E., & Warner, J. L.
(2019, October). The evolving use of electronic health records (EHR) for research. In Seminars
in radiation oncology (Vol. 29, No. 4, pp. 354-361). WB Saunders.
Talwar, S., Dhir, A., Islam, N., Kaur, P., & Almusharraf, A. (2023). Resistance of multiple
stakeholders to e-health innovations: Integration of fundamental insights and guiding research
paths. Journal of Business Research, 166, 114135.
Replay 3: HANAN ALMUTAIRI
Importance of Leadership in EHR Implementation
Leadership plays a critical role in the successful implementation of electronic health
records. As such, healthcare organizations seeking to implement EHR must invest in strong and
capable leaders who can steer them in the right direction (Alzghaibi & Hutchings, 2024).
Organizational leaders are responsible for setting the mission and vision for EHR
implementation. This is because they understand the important role that EHR will play in helping
the organization attain clinical transformation to improve safety and quality of healthcare as well
as the patient experience (Alzghaibi & Hutchings, 2024). The leaders also take on the
responsibility of project sponsor in which role they plan, communicate and lead the initiative to
adopt EHR in their organizations.
Ability to meet end-users’ functional needs is crucial for the successful implementation
of EHR systems. This is because the EHRs bring with them radical changes to the various
constituents of the care delivery process (Balgrosky, 2020). The systems change work content
and processes, workflows and organizational culture (Balgrosky, 2020). It is, therefore,
necessary that organizational leaders understand and incorporate the functional needs of endusers into the design of the EHRs.
A sure way to effectively meet end-users’ functional needs during EHR implementation
is through their involvement and participation. Generally, successful transition to digital systems
requires that the workforce is involved in the design so that they know what to anticipate
(Balgrosky, 2020). This means that organizational leaders ought to involve the various
stakeholders who will use the EHR systems actively in the planning and implementation of the
digital systems (Balgrosky, 2020). Failure by the leadership to involve them could result in
resentment and resistance to the change which would, in turn, stand in the way of successful
EHR implementation.
Meeting end-users’ functional needs during EHR implementation helps healthcare
organizations to meet their clinical intelligence and business needs. This is because it ensures the
successful implementation of EHR. As a result, healthcare organizations are able to leverage the
various benefits of EHR such as greater efficiency in the uploading, storage and retrieval of
patient information (Brehmer et al., 2024). With such efficiency, the organizations achieve
clinical intelligence as they can collect and analyze patient data and make informed decisions
about patient care. Consequently, the quality of care and patient outcomes improve significantly
helping organizations to meet their business goals (Brehmer et al., 2024). Leadership plays a
vital role in the successful implementation of EHR systems. As such, healthcare organizations
must ensure that their leaders are well equipped to support them as they make the transition to
digital systems.
References
Alzghaibi, H., & Hutchings, H. A. (2024, October). The Impact of Leadership and Management
on the Implementation of Electronic Health Record Systems in the Primary Healthcare Centers.
In Healthcare (Vol. 12, No. 20, p. 2013). MDPI.
Balgrosky, J. A. (2020). Understanding health information systems for the health professions.
Jones & Bartlett Learning, LLC.
Brehmer, A., Sauer, C. M., Salazar Rodríguez, J., Herrmann, K., Kim, M., Keyl, J., … &
Kleesiek, J. (2024). Establishing Medical Intelligence—Leveraging Fast Healthcare
Interoperability Resources to Improve Clinical Management: Retrospective Cohort and Clinical
Implementation Study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 26, e55148.
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