Improving Adoption of Mobile Health Apps by Healthcare Professionals in Saudi Arabia

Authors

  • Majed Hamad Mohammed Alyami (1) *, Shroog Ayad Asiri (2), Mahdi Mana Saleh Houf (3), Mohammad Saeed Saleh Al Suliman (4), Saleh Mohammad Hamad Almordif (5), Abdulaziz Yahya. Alrashah (6), Hamad Mohammed Alquaiman (7), Hamad Mohammed Misfer Al-Rizq (8)

Keywords:

mHealth, Healthcare Professionals, Saudi Arabia, Adoption, Interventional Studies, Clinical Trials

Abstract

Introduction:

The rapid advancement of mobile health (mHealth) technologies offers unprecedented opportunities for enhancing healthcare delivery. However, the adoption of mHealth applications by healthcare professionals remains a challenge, particularly in regions like Saudi Arabia where the digital health landscape is rapidly evolving. This systematic review aimed to explore the effectiveness of various interventional strategies designed to improve the adoption of mHealth apps among healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia, addressing the gap in comprehensive adoption and utilization within the healthcare sector.


Methods:

A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for interventional studies and clinical trials published in the last five years up to 2022. The search focused on studies in English that investigated the adoption of mHealth apps by healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia. Inclusion criteria targeted interventional studies, while exclusion criteria removed non-interventional studies, reviews, and unrelated topics. The selection process involved screening titles, abstracts, and full texts to identify relevant studies, followed by data extraction and analysis focusing on the types of interventions and their outcomes.


Results:

Ten studies were included, demonstrating a range of interventions from educational workshops to comprehensive support systems. Significant findings include a 50% to 80% increase in mHealth app usage post-intervention, with educational and support system interventions showing the highest effectiveness. Gamification strategies and multi-faceted approaches also reported positive outcomes, improving attitudes towards mHealth and sustaining app usage over time.


Conclusions:

This review underscores the potential of targeted interventions, particularly educational and comprehensive support systems, to significantly enhance the adoption of mHealth apps by healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia. The findings suggest that addressing technical, educational, and motivational barriers in a cohesive manner can facilitate the integration of mHealth technologies into clinical practice, thereby improving healthcare delivery and outcomes

Author Biography

Majed Hamad Mohammed Alyami (1) *, Shroog Ayad Asiri (2), Mahdi Mana Saleh Houf (3), Mohammad Saeed Saleh Al Suliman (4), Saleh Mohammad Hamad Almordif (5), Abdulaziz Yahya. Alrashah (6), Hamad Mohammed Alquaiman (7), Hamad Mohammed Misfer Al-Rizq (8)

(1) Healthcare Administration, Directorate of public Health, Najran, Saudi Arabia.
(2) Nurse, King Khalid Hospital, Najran, Saudi Arabia.
(3) Staff Nurse, Public Health Department, Najran, Saudi Arabia.
(4) Pharmacist Technician, Management of Therapeutic Services, Najran, Saudi Arabia.
(5) Medical Laboratory, Najran General Hospital, Najran, Saudi Arabia.
(6) Optometry Doctor, King Khalid Hospital, Najran, Saudi Arabia.
(7) Epidemiology Department, Public Health, Najran, Saudi Arabia.
(8) Pharmacy, Center Health -Hussainiah, Najran, Saudi Arabia.

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Published

2022-12-18

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 4 (2022): The aftermath

Section

Articles