Royal Philips, a global health technology company, has announced the publication of its Future Health Index 2022 report: “Healthcare hits reset: Priorities shift as healthcare leaders navigate a changed world.” Now in its seventh year, the FHI 2022 report, based on proprietary research from almost 3,000 respondents conducted across 15 countries, explores how healthcare leaders are harnessing the power of data and digital technology as they look to address their key challenges coming out of the pandemic.
The report provides a clear indication of strong momentum in innovation within Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system. Expanding patient care, unlocking the power of digital health, and leveraging strategic partnerships have emerged as top priorities for Saudi Arabia in its journey toward Vision 2030.
“Over the past two years, pressure on the healthcare industry has been unrelenting. Today, as we emerge from the pandemic, we see healthcare leaders embarking on a reset — refocusing on several new and existing priorities, from addressing staff shortages to extending care delivery, to leveraging big data and predictive analytics, as they navigate new realities in medical management. Telehealth and digital health records have emerged at the forefront of driving technology-led transformation in healthcare in Saudi Arabia,” said Mohamed Sindi, CEO of Philips Healthcare Saudi Arabia.
The FHI 2022 Saudi Arabia report highlighted three priorities for healthcare leaders as they strive to further expand access to care and deliver better patient outcomes:
Expanding care through digital health technologies
In the post-COVID-19 world, people continue to demand care beyond the hospital walls, making it necessary for healthcare leaders to continue to invest in technology and focus on enabling their workforce to support this. With many digital health tools already implemented, broader innovation is at the top of leaders’ priority list. One-fifth (22 percent) of Saudi leaders cite extending care delivery beyond the hospital walls as a top priority today and 26 percent expect to prioritize it in three years’ time. Digital and telehealth investments by healthcare leaders will also reduce staff workloads, thus improving staff retention and satisfaction, which is an important priority for 23 percent of leaders with 29 percent expecting it to remain a priority for the next three years.
Driving efficiency through innovation and partnership
With digital health now firmly embedded in healthcare delivery, it is imperative for healthcare leaders to unlock the next level of data utilization that will improve the efficiency of care delivery. The FHI Saudi Arabia 2022 research revealed that healthcare leaders are nurturing strategic partnerships with health technology companies for access to various kinds of expertise. Thirty-three percent of leaders seek partnerships that provide support in healthcare management services, as well as data analysis, 32 percent want partnerships that support technology integration, while 29 percent seek support in shaping a strategic vision.
Investments in AI for improved care delivery
Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and predictive analytics help to identify trends, optimize processes, and reduce costs. Saudi Arabia is on par with the European average when it comes to the use of predictive analytics, with 48 percent of healthcare leaders currently utilizing or in the process of adopting such technologies. More than three quarters of respondents believe that predictive analytics can improve staff experiences as well as patient outcomes. One in four (26 percent) of Saudi Arabia’s healthcare leaders say that improving tech infrastructure in their facilities is the most important priority if they are to fully unlock the power of data.
Saudi Arabian healthcare leaders are also committed to AI-based technologies, with 46 percent investing in these technologies this year and 66 percent planning to invest in 2023.
