The State Public Health Informatics in Saudi Arabia

The purpose of this exploratory study is to provide an overview on the state of Public health informatics (PHI) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The study defines PHI and discusses the current status and future challenges which face the Saudi health system. Data collection methods included interviews with public health and PHI experts, and database search, using relevant keyword terms in PubMed. Results of this research show that public health information systems (PHIS) are not well-developed to deliver efficient health care in Saudi Arabia. There are several challenges that need to be addressed with the implementation of PHIS such as the need for readiness assessment, resistant to change, integration of systems, and confidentiality and privacy of health information. Future challenges include profiling users, developing a national PHIS and monitoring the impact of PHIS on healthcare outcomes need to be addressed.