TELEHEALTH READINESS AND ITS RELATED FACTORS AMONG HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS AT SAUDI ARABIA: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Telemedicine and telehealth have revolutionized the healthcare industry by offering remote treatment services using telecommunications technology. While many nations have integrated these technologies to improve healthcare quality, many deployments encounter considerable challenges. Despite advances in telemedicine acceptability, significant gaps exist in understanding healthcare professionals' preparedness to utilize new technologies, notably in Saudi Arabia.
Objective: The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze and map the current literature on telehealth readiness among Saudi healthcare practitioners, focusing on the factors that influence their willingness to use telehealth services.

Methodology: A comprehensive search was carried out across numerous academic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, using preset keywords relevant to telehealth readiness. The inclusion criteria centered on peer-reviewed empirical research published between 2022 and 2024 that particularly evaluated telehealth preparation among Saudi healthcare practitioners.

Results: Five relevant studies were discovered and evaluated. The findings revealed a general excitement for telehealth services among healthcare professionals; nevertheless, there were considerable knowledge gaps and impediments to effective implementation. Issues such as a lack of knowledge, insufficient training resources, and systemic issues hampered comprehensive telehealth integration. Notably, while pharmacists exhibited a high desire to participate in telepharmacy practices, other healthcare workers showed significant diversity in their comprehension and preparedness to utilize telehealth technology.

Conclusion: The analysis reveals the potential for telehealth services among Saudi healthcare practitioners, as well as significant knowledge and infrastructure shortages. To ensure effective adoption, specific educational programs, supporting policies, and training resources are required to connect healthcare practitioners' skills with their favorable attitudes regarding telehealth. Addressing these problems is critical to attaining the healthcare goals established in Saudi Vision 2030, which will eventually improve patient care and accessibility across the region.