reply

1 day ago

KHALIL AL SHAHRI
Leadership in EHR Implementation and Its Role in Meeting End-User and Organizational Needs in
Saudi Arabia
COLLAPSE

Implementing Electronic Health Records (EHRs) is a cornerstone for enhancing healthcare
delivery, and leadership plays a critical role in ensuring this process meets end-users’ functional
needs. Effective leadership ensures that the perspectives and needs of clinicians, administrative
staff, and other stakeholders are prioritized, fostering end-user satisfaction and system usability (H.
Alzghaibi & Hutchings, 2024). This focus on usability and acceptance not only enhances system
adoption but also underpins broader organizational objectives, such as business and clinical
intelligence.
Meeting End-User Functional Needs
Strong leadership in EHR implementation ensures a user-centered approach, addressing
the specific requirements of healthcare professionals. In Saudi Arabia, the inclusion of clinicians
and staff during the design and deployment phases has been shown to enhance acceptance and
reduce resistance (H. A. Alzghaibi, 2023). Leadership’s role in conducting comprehensive training
programs, maintaining clear communication, and incorporating feedback from end-users ensures
the EHR system aligns with the daily workflows of healthcare providers, ultimately leading to
better patient outcomes and staff efficiency (Al-Hasson, 2020).
Business and Clinical Intelligence Needs in Saudi Healthcare
Leadership’s impact on meeting business and clinical intelligence needs is profound. EHR
systems designed with robust analytics capabilities provide real-time insights into patient care,
resource utilization, and financial performance (Hasanain, 2015). For Saudi healthcare

organizations, where improving healthcare quality and accessibility are national priorities, such
insights enable data-driven decision-making. Leadership ensures the integration of advanced
functionalities, such as predictive analytics and clinical decision support systems, which are
essential for achieving these goals (Alessa, 2024).
Challenges and the Role of Centralized Leadership
Centralized project management and leadership approaches have been shown to mitigate
challenges associated with large-scale EHR implementations, such as misalignment between
system capabilities and end-user needs (H. A. Alzghaibi, 2023). In the context of Saudi Arabia,
centralized leadership has streamlined processes across healthcare organizations, reducing
redundancy and fostering interoperability.
Conclusion
Leadership is pivotal in successfully implementing EHR systems, particularly in
addressing end-users functional needs and aligning systems with broader organizational
objectives. In Saudi Arabia, where healthcare transformation is a key priority, effective leadership
bridges the gap between system design and end-user satisfaction, ensuring that EHRs serve as tools
for enhancing business intelligence and clinical outcomes.
References
Alessa, T. (2024). Clinicians’ Attitudes Toward Electronic Health Records in Saudi Arabia.
Cureus, 16(3), e56281.
Al-Hasson, M. A. M. (2020). Clinical Information System: Measuring End-User Satisfaction in a
Governmental Hospital in Qatar.
Alzghaibi, H. A. (2023). An examination of large-scale electronic health records implementation
in Primary Healthcare Centers in Saudi Arabia: A qualitative study. Frontiers in Public
Health, 11, 1121327.
Alzghaibi, H., & Hutchings, H. A. (2024). The Impact of Leadership and Management on the
Implementation of Electronic Health Record Systems in the Primary Healthcare Centers.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 12(20),
2013.

Hasanain, R. A. (2015). Development of an EMR implementation framework for public hospitals
in Saudi Arabia [Phd, Queensland University of
Technology].

1 day ago

TALAL ALSHAMMARI
EHR implementation and leadership role

COLLAPSE

The successful implementation of an electronic health record (EHR) system in a healthcare
organization in Saudi Arabia (KSA) hinges on strong leadership. Effective leaders champion the
EHR initiative, ensuring it aligns with the organization’s strategic goals and addresses the evolving
healthcare needs in KSA. This leadership role extends beyond mere technological adoption; it
fosters a culture of collaboration and change management, empowers end-users, and leverages
data-driven insights to improve patient care and business outcomes (Alzghaibi & Hutchings,
2022).
One of the most critical aspects of leadership in EHR implementation is understanding and
addressing the functional needs of end-users. Healthcare professionals, from physicians and nurses
to administrative staff, must be at the forefront of the EHR implementation process. Leaders must
actively listen to their concerns, gather feedback, and tailor the system to their specific workflows
and preferences (Alzghaibi & Hutchings, 2022). This user-centric approach ensures that the EHR

is intuitive and efficient and supports delivering high-quality patient care. By prioritizing user
experience, leaders can mitigate resistance to change and foster a culture of EHR
adoption (Alqahtani et al., 2017).
Furthermore, strong leadership is essential for harnessing the power of EHR data to drive
business and clinical intelligence. EHR systems generate vast amounts of data that can be analyzed
to identify trends, improve patient outcomes, and optimize resource allocation. Leaders can guide
the organization in leveraging these data-driven insights to enhance operational efficiency,
improve patient safety, and achieve better health outcomes (Alzghaibi & Hutchings, 2022). By
fostering a data-driven culture, leaders can empower healthcare organizations in KSA to make
informed decisions, improve population health, and contribute to the continued advancement of
healthcare in the Kingdom (Abdullah Alharbi, 2023).
In conclusion, effective leadership is paramount for the successful implementation and
utilization of EHR systems in healthcare organizations in KSA. By prioritizing end-user needs,
fostering a culture of collaboration, and leveraging data-driven insights, leaders can drive
innovation, improve patient care, and contribute to the continued advancement of healthcare in the
Kingdom.
References
Abdullah Alharbi, R. (2023). Adoption of electronic health records in Saudi Arabia hospitals:
Knowledge and usage. Journal of King Saud University – Science, 35(2), 102470.

Alqahtani, A., Crowder, R., & Wills, G. (2017). Barriers to the Adoption of EHR Systems in the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: An Exploratory Study Using a Systematic Literature Review. Journal
of
Health
Informatics
in
Developing
Countries, 11(2),
Article
2.

Alzghaibi, H. A., & Hutchings, H. A. (2022). Exploring facilitators of the implementation of
electronic health records in Saudi Arabia. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision
Making, 22(1), 321.

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module 01
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Implementing an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system is a complex endeavor
that requires effective leadership to ensure the system meets end-users’ functional
needs. In the context of Saudi Arabia’s healthcare organizations, strong leadership
is crucial for aligning the EHR system with both clinical and business intelligence
objectives.

Leadership’s Role in Addressing End-User Functional Needs

Effective leadership is essential in the EHR implementation process to ensure that
the system aligns with the functional requirements of its end-users, such as
physicians, nurses, and administrative staff. Leaders are responsible for:

Engaging Stakeholders: Involving end-users in the planning and development
phases to gather insights into their workflows and specific needs. This participatory
approach fosters a sense of ownership and facilitates smoother adoption
HealthIT.gov. (2016).

Providing Training and Support: Ensuring that comprehensive training programs
are in place to enhance users’ proficiency with the new system, thereby reducing
resistance and increasing efficiency.McKinsey & Company. (2022).

Facilitating Communication: Establishing clear channels for feedback allows endusers to express concerns and suggest improvements, enabling continuous
refinement of the EHR system.

Enhancing Business and Clinical Intelligence

In Saudi Arabia, the integration of EHR systems under visionary initiatives like
Vision 2030 aims to modernize healthcare delivery. Effective leadership in EHR
implementation contributes to:

Improved Data Accuracy: Leaders ensure that the EHR system captures precise and
comprehensive patient data, which is vital for accurate clinical decision-making
and strategic planning.Yousef, A. M., et al. (2020)

Enhanced Data Analytics: By promoting the adoption of EHRs, leaders enable the
aggregation of health data, facilitating advanced analytics that inform both clinical
practices and business strategies.

Regulatory Compliance: Leadership ensures that the EHR system adheres to
national health regulations and standards, maintaining data integrity and security.

Conclusion

Leadership plays a pivotal role in the successful implementation of EHR systems by
addressing end-users’ functional needs and aligning the system with the
organization’s business and clinical intelligence goals. In Saudi Arabia, where
healthcare transformation is a national priority, effective leadership ensures that
EHR implementations contribute to improved patient care and operational
efficiency.

References

HealthIT.gov. (2016). Creating a Leadership Team for Successful EHR
Implementation.

Yousef, A. M., et al. (2020). Electronic medical records and health care promotion
in Saudi Arabia: An overview. Saudi Medical Journal, 41(6), 583–589.

McKinsey & Company. (2022). Ten ways to accelerate the benefits of digital health
in Saudi Arabia
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Module01 – Discussion
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Importance of Leadership to Implement EHR

The end users in any organization, including Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical
Services Group, have multiple needs that must be fulfilled along with digitalization.
Their needs are related to the innovative applications installed in the operating
system to replace the existing manners of data recording about practices.
Leadership is used to perform multiple support and facilities for satisfaction and
ensure high-quality operations by the end users of installed EHR applications.
DrChrono is the EHR application installed in Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Services
Group to keep the proper secure records of the large pool of patients and other
stakeholders. The leadership would perform multiple tasks to implement this EHR
application and ensure the skills and capabilities of end users (Al Dhuhli et al.,
2024).

Leadership needs to ensure the knowledge-boosting of end users with all the
features and functions of the EHR software. Leadership can design learning and
development sessions for the end users in this organization through which
seminars and presentations about this application can be helpful to the audience.
These learning classes and platforms would be helpful in managing the large
volume of data and operations during the healthcare practices of data handling.
The skills to collect, store, and retrieve data about hospitals, pharmacies, and
diagnostic services under this group would be developed by leaders’ development
plans (Balgrosky, 2019). So, the leadership performs a vital role in the installation
and implementation of the DrChrono application in the operating system of this
organization (Mohammadzadeh & Raayatpanah, 2023).

How Does this Help Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Services Group?

DrChrono is a digital EHR application that is useful for data recording
practices on a very large scale. It is supportive of improving patient care by
recording current and past-oriented practices for future development goals. Data
from different business units of this Medical Service Group could be recorded in
the form of segmentation, and comprehensive access to the users of all segments
would be provided. The decision-making for the business innovations and
alignment of business operations with the stakeholders’ needs could be ensured.
The overall implementation of EHR applications would be beneficial to fulfilling
business and clinical needs (Braunstein, 2022).

The business needs of Dr Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Services Group
regarding the provision of healthcare needs of the KSA population, making the
digital transformation in the healthcare system, and ensuring the growth in
financial structure would be improved. It is because of the effective and errorless
decision-making practices of organizations by assessing the data stored in this
application. The clinical needs of data recording about the patients’ incoming and
discharging from emergency and out-patient-doors (OPD) departments along with
the women’s health services would be improved by using the organized form of
databases in this application. The data confusion could be resolved using this
application’s segmented databases (Al Dhuhli et al., 2024).

References

Al Dhuhli, K., Al Mujeini, S., Al Malki, R., AL Hattali, N., AL Shaqsi, N., Al Hadhrami,
F., Al Dhawyani, I., Al Salti, M., Al Balushi, A., Al Farsi, F., Al Farsi, Y., & Al Awaidy,
S. T. (2024). A Review of Recent Cluster of Hospitalization-related Respiratory
Syncytial Virus Infection Post-COVID-19: A Cross-sectional Study. Dr. Sulaiman al
Habib Medical Journal, 6(1), 17–22.

Balgrosky, J. A. (2019). Understanding Health Information Systems for the Health
Professions. Jones & Bartlett Learning

Braunstein, M. L. (2022). Health Informatics in the Real World. Health Informatics,
1(1), 33–68.

Mohammadzadeh, Z., & Raayatpanah, M. A. (2023). Optimizing Health-Oriented
Websites in Iran: Prioritizing APIs using the TOPSIS Method for Enhanced User
Experience. Optimizing Health-Oriented Websites in Iran: Prioritizing APIs Using
the TOPSIS Method for Enhanced User Experience, 1(1).

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module 1
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The healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia is regulated by an extensive legislative
framework, primarily delineated in the Health Law. This legislation seeks to
provide a comprehensive regulatory framework that guarantees quality healthcare
services for all citizens and residents. The legislation encompasses multiple facets
of healthcare provision, including as licensure, accreditation, and quality assurance
(Ministry of Health portal team, 2019).

Principal Stakeholders and Their Responsibilities

The healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia comprises numerous players, each
significantly influencing the provision of care (Al-Salem, 2018).The stakeholders
comprise:

1. Government: The government, via the Ministry of Health (MoH) and other
regulatory entities, is pivotal in formulating policies, granting licenses, and
enforcing regulations.

2. Healthcare Providers: This encompasses public and private hospitals, clinics, and
individual practitioners. They are accountable for delivering direct patient care and
complying with the stated criteria.

3. people: As the primary beneficiaries of healthcare services, people significantly
influence the sector through their requests and feedback.

4. Insurance firms: Insurance firms are crucial in financing healthcare services,
especially within the private sector. They also affect the expense and availability of
care.

5. Pharmaceutical firms: Pharmaceutical firms engage in the research,
development, and distribution of pharmaceuticals, influencing the accessibility and
cost of therapies.

Examining the Effects of Regulation on Quality, Cost, and Accessibility

The Health Law has profoundly influenced the quality, affordability, and
accessibility of healthcare in Saudi Arabia. Notable effects encompass:

The legislation has instituted more rigorous quality standards for healthcare
professionals, enhancing patient safety and outcomes.
Cost Although the law has led to heightened expenses for healthcare providers, it
has simultaneously aided in cost containment by fostering efficiency and
minimizing waste.
The legislation has broadened access to healthcare services, especially for
marginalized groups, via efforts like the National Health Insurance Program
(World, 2025b).

Conclusion

The Health Law has significantly influenced the healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia.
The law has enhanced the quality, cost, and accessibility of healthcare services for
all citizens and residents by instituting a comprehensive regulatory framework
(World, 2025b). As the healthcare sector evolves, it is imperative to consistently

examine and adapt the regulatory framework to maintain its efficacy (GOV.SA,
2018).

Resource:

GOV.SA. (2018). Health Care in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. My.gov.sa.

Saudi Arabia Health ( 2002 ‫الصح السعودي‬
‫ النظام‬- World. (2025b). WHO MiNDbank
‫ي‬
5912/Law). Who.int.

Al-Salem, A. A. (2018). Renovation of financing healthcare services in Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia, by implementing National health insurance (NHI). Eur J Pharm Med
Res, 5(9), 439-448.

Ministry of Health portal team. (2019). Ministry Of Health Saudi Arabia. Ministry of
Health Saudi Arabia.

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Saudi Arabian Healthcare Law Regulation
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KSA Healthcare Law

The Saudi medical sector is governed by the Health Professions Practice Law
to ensure efficiency and excellence. This law applies to healthcare workers and
mandates compliance with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS)
licensing standards. It provides guidelines for maintaining and enhancing
proficiency, ethical behavior, and experience. If someone does not adhere to this
law, illegal practice or malpractice is a punishable offense according to this law.

The law mandates equity in health services. In order to improve the quality of
services and people’s trust in receiving medication, the law encourages
digitalization and holds the health profession accountable to worldwide healthcare
standards, which is in accordance with Vision 2030 (SaudiPedia, 2024).

Stakeholders Affected by Law

A wide range of players are impacted by Saudi Arabia’s Health Professions
Practice Law, which influences and enhances efficiency and productivity in the
healthcare sector. Medical practitioners and other healthcare workers are required
to abide by strict accreditation and ethical rules set out by the Saudi Commission
for Health Specialties. This encourages lifelong learning and makes it possible to
meet safety and competence standards. Medical centers, hospitals, and other
healthcare facilities must ensure that they comply with the legislation and hire
qualified personnel. Licensing bodies are crucial to upholding and enhancing the
criteria for patient security, confidentiality, and quality of care. The law mainly
secures and aids patients by ranking the safety, benefits, and ethical standards on
the top, along with maintaining the professional norms that build trust in the
services of the healthcare sector in KSA (Gurajala, 2023).

The government and various regulatory agencies, including the Ministry of Health
and SCFHS, enforce the law through licensing standards, assessments, and
penalties. Their programs complement Vision 2030, which seeks to improve
medical services and facilities. To create a workforce of future generations,
colleges, and other medical institutions must also make sure that the alumni have
the qualifications and abilities needed by the SCFHS. The efficiency, morality, and
conformity to international norms in the medical industry are maintained by these
stakeholders, who work together to establish an interconnected and efficient
system (Olden, 2015).

Influence on Cost, Access, and Quality

The Health Professions Practice Law has impacted the standards,
affordability, and access to medical services in KSA. The Law also raises the
standard of care by putting forward the goals to attain and increasing the moral
and ethical norms that control the licensing procedures for healthcare individuals.

Increased safety for patients, integrity, and a higher level of care are the benefits
for the community. This builds the confidence of the patient. The law also
promotes affordability and the avoidance of theft, which continues to be an
important factor in the long-term rise in healthcare expenses. Maintaining high
standards can lead to higher operational expenses for healthcare facilities, which
can be affected by the cost of care. The law improves the economy by reducing
errors and inefficiencies. Healthcare access is also increased by skilled and wellregulated staff that align with KS’s growing health needs. This can be hindered by
the strict rules of licensing in remote areas(SaudiPedia, 2024).

References

Gurajala, S. (2023). Healthcare System in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: An Expat
Doctor’s Perspective. Cureus, 15(5).

Olden, P. C. (2015). Management of Healthcare Organizations: An Introduction.
Amsterdam University Press.

SaudiPedia. (2024, December 9). Law of Practicing Healthcare Professions in Saudi
Arabia. Saudipedia; SaudiPedia.

SHOROUK AHMAD
COVID-19’s Effects on Saudi Arabian Mental Health
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COVID-19’s Effects on Saudi Arabian Mental Health
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted public health in Saudi Arabia,
particularly in terms of mental well-being. The surge in stress and anxiety,
particularly among young people and healthcare workers, has been particularly
evident among university students who have experienced significant emotional
distress due to sudden changes in their education, social isolation, and uncertainty
about their future.
Main Factors Contributing to the Issue
There were two major reasons behind the rise in mental health challenges during the
pandemic: social isolation and financial difficulties.
Social Isolation; Lockdowns, restrictions, and closures of schools and workplaces in
Saudi society have led to increased loneliness, particularly during Ramadan and Eid.
Social connections are crucial in daily life, and the inability to meet loved ones has
caused emotional distress (Alharbi et al., 2024). Prolonged isolation can lead to
higher rates of depression and anxiety, a significant public health concern. Financial
Difficulties; The economic impact of the pandemic also contributed to stress and
anxiety. Many businesses faced financial struggles, and some people lost their jobs or
experienced salary cuts. Since many young adults in Saudi Arabia rely on their
families for financial support, this created uncertainty about their education and
career prospects (Alyami et al., 2021). Although the government provided financial
assistance, the overall economic slowdown led to widespread concerns about the
future.
Which Factor Had the Biggest Impact?
While financial struggles were a serious issue, social isolation had the biggest impact
on mental health. The inability to interact with family and friends in person for long
periods caused emotional distress for many people, particularly students and young
professionals. In a society where personal connections are highly valued, the lack of
social interaction made people feel disconnected and alone. This effect was seen in
many countries, but it was especially difficult in Saudi Arabia due to the strong
emphasis on family and community life.
Ways to Address the Issue

To help people recover from the pandemic’s mental health challenges, several
solutions can be implemented. These include improving mental health services,
promoting social connections through safe events, and providing economic support.
Awareness campaigns and counseling services should be expanded, especially for
students and young professionals. Additionally, offering job opportunities and
financial aid to struggling families can reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
Challenges in Implementing Solutions
Mental health solutions in Saudi Arabia face barriers such as stigma, limited access to
services in rural areas, and economic constraints. People may avoid seeking help due
to fear of judgment, while rural areas may lack the same level of support as urban
areas (Alghamdy et al., 2022). The government’s efforts to support public health may
also impact funding for mental health programs.
Policy Changes After the Pandemic
The Saudi government has implemented policy changes to enhance mental health
services and public health since COVID-19, including increasing funding for
awareness programs, expanding telemedicine and online consultations, and creating
economic recovery programs like Vision 2030 to support students and young
professionals (Alamri et al., 2020).
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted mental health in Saudi Arabia,
with social isolation and financial stress being the main factors. Despite efforts to
improve mental health services and financial support, stigma and accessibility
remain. Government policies, such as increased funding and digital health services,
are seen as positive steps towards a healthier and more resilient society.
References
Alamri, H. S., Algarni, A., Shehata, S. F., Al Bshabshe, A., Alshehri, N. N., ALAsiri, A. M.,
Hussain, A. H., Alalmay, A. Y., Alshehri, E. A., Alqarni, Y., & Saleh, N. F. (2020).
Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among the General Population in Saudi
Arabia during Covid-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Research
and Public Health, 17(24), 9183.
Alghamdy, Z., Alshahrani, A., Memon, I., Khan, A., Khan, M. A., Alrayani, Y., Alfawzan,
F., & Zaidi, S. F. (2022). Awareness regarding COVID-19 and its effects on mental
health among pre-professional health sciences students at King Saud bin Abdulaziz
University for health sciences in Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Environmental
Science and Pollution Research, 29(48), 73504–73517.

Alharbi, A., Almogbel, F., Rabbani, U., & Memish, Z. A. (2024). Long COVID-19 and
Coexistence of Fatigue and Depression: A Cross-sectional Study from Saudi
Arabia. Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health, 14(4), 1602–1608.

Alyami, H. S., Naser, A. Y., Dahmash, E. Z., Alyami, M. H., & Alyami, M. S. (2021).
Depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia: A crosssectional study. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 75(7).

MAY DUMYATI
The Impact of COVID-19 on Population Health in Saudi Arabia
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The Impact of COVID-19 on Population Health in Saudi Arabia
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the health of the population in
Saudi Arabia, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare
system. This crisis has provided crucial insights into the country’s healthcare
infrastructure, demonstrating its capacity to respond to a public health emergency
while also revealing areas that require improvement (Adly et al., 2020) Furthermore,
the pandemic has altered societal dynamics, changing how communities interact and
cope with health challenges. As a result, it has ultimately reshaped the landscape of
public health in the nation. Two key factors contributing to the health challenges
during the pandemic are the increased strain on mental health and the disruptions in
the management of chronic diseases (Sheerah et al., 2023).
The pandemic has greatly intensified mental health challenges, driven by social
isolation, economic uncertainty, and the fear of contracting the virus. Healthcare
workers have faced elevated levels of burnout and stress, while the general
population has seen a rise in anxiety and depression (Burrowes et al., 2023).
However, I believe that the most important factor is disruption in chronic
management. Chronic disease management is critical due to its long-term impact on
population health and the healthcare system. Saudi Arabia faces one of the highest
rates of diabetes and cardiovascular disease globally, and neglecting these conditions
only exacerbates morbidity and mortality (Al-Jedai et al., 2022). Delayed care not
only adversely affects individual patients but also places an increased burden on the
healthcare system, as poorly managed chronic conditions can lead to complications
that require more intensive treatment. (Meraya et al., 2023) The emphasis on COVID19 treatment temporarily diverted attention away from non-communicable diseases
(NCDs), resulting in a backlog of both preventive and therapeutic services.

To address these issues, several strategies can be implemented. For instance,
developing integrated healthcare systems can facilitate coordination among primary,
secondary, and tertiary care levels through the creation of integrated care pathways.
It is also crucial to prioritize the resumption of routine check-ups and screenings for
patients with chronic diseases (Dashash & World Health Organization,
2023).Additionally, launching public health campaigns can help raise awareness and
encourage individuals with chronic conditions to reengage with their healthcare
routines (Dashash & World Health Organization, 2023). Promoting mental health
resources and destigmatizing the act of seeking help are also important components
of these efforts.
There are several barriers that impede our ability to effectively address these issues
in KSA, such as, Resource Allocation, Healthcare facilities often struggle to balance
the care of COVID-19 patients with the management of chronic diseases.
Additionally, Workforce Shortages, ensuring that there is adequate staffing for both
COVID-19 care and chronic disease management remains a challenge, particularly
during peaks in case numbers (Sheerah et al., 2023).
The Saudi government has implemented significant policy reforms to tackle the
healthcare challenges revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Central to these reforms
is the National E-Health Strategy, which has accelerated investments in digital health
infrastructure and facilitated the widespread adoption of telemedicine platforms like
SEHAH Application, for remote patient care. Moreover, initiatives to expand health
insurance aim to improve access to essential services, including comprehensive
mental health care (Mani & Goniewicz, 2024b). In addition, public health initiatives
aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 prioritize preventive healthcare and lifestyle
interventions to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and enhance overall
population health. Acknowledging the rising importance of mental health, new
policies now integrate mental health services into primary care, bolstered by
increased funding and specialized training for healthcare providers (Mani &
Goniewicz, 2024b). Collectively, these reforms signify a transformative approach to
creating a resilient and inclusive healthcare system.
In conclusion, The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the necessity for robust
healthcare systems that can adeptly manage both urgent crises and chronic disease
care. While the mental health impacts and disruptions in chronic disease
management are critical concerns, the latter presents a more significant long-term
challenge. Effectively addressing these issues demands a multifaceted approach that
encompasses digital innovation, policy reforms, and cultural transformation. The
policy reforms initiated in the wake of the pandemic signify a promising step toward
establishing a resilient and patient-centered healthcare system in Saudi Arabia.

References:
Adly, H. M., AlJahdali, I. A., Garout, M. A., Khafagy, A. A., Saati, A. A., & Saleh, S. a. K.
(2020). Correlation of COVID-19 Pandemic with Healthcare System Response and
Prevention Measures in Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Environmental
Research and Public Health, 17(18), 6666.
Al-Jedai, A. H., Almudaiheem, H. Y., Alissa, D. A., Al-Enazy, H. S., Korayem, G. B.,
Alghamdi, A., & Alghamdi, S. (2022). Cost of cardiovascular diseases and renal
complications in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:
A retrospective analysis of claims database. PLoS ONE, 17(10),
e0273836.
Burrowes, S. A., Casey, S. M., Pierre-Joseph, N., Talbot, S. G., Hall, T., ChristianBrathwaite, N., Del-Carmen, M., Garofalo, C., Lundberg, B., Mehta, P. K., MottlSantiago, J., Schechter-Perkins, E. M., Weber, A., Yarrington, C. D., & Perkins, R. B.
(2023). COVID-19 pandemic impacts on mental health, burnout, and longevity in the
workplace among healthcare workers: A mixed methods study. Journal of
Interprofessional Education & Practice, 32,
100661.
Dashash, N. A. & World Health Organization. (2023). Saudi Arabia: a primary health
care case study in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. World Health
Organization.
Mani, Z. A., & Goniewicz, K. (2024b). Transforming Healthcare in Saudi Arabia: A
Comprehensive evaluation of Vision 2030’s impact. Sustainability, 16(8),
3277.

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