Philips: Saudi Arabian healthcare leaders are embracing technology and partnerships

Royal Philips announced the results of its Future Health Index (FHI) 2023 Saudi Arabia report: Taking Healthcare Everywhere. Now in its eighth year, the Future Health Index is based on proprietary research across 14 countries — including Saudi Arabia — making it the largest global survey of its kind to analyze the current and future priorities of healthcare leaders worldwide.

The FHI 2023 Saudi Arabia report provides a clear indication of strong momentum in innovation and digital transformation within the Kingdom's healthcare system. Saudi Arabian Healthcare leaders and younger healthcare professionals are aligned in their vision to innovate new models of care delivery that meet patients where they are.

Building on the advancements in the post-pandemic era, healthcare leaders are now prioritizing the implementation of virtual care and AI solutions to address staff shortages and furthering sustainability. These developments, along with a strong inclination towards strategic partnerships, mark critical steps in the Kingdom's journey towards Vision 2030, emphasizing a commitment to improving patient care through innovative and technologically advanced healthcare models.

Highlights

The Future Health Index 2023 Saudi Arabia report highlights three important focus areas for healthcare leaders that will help them enhance care delivery and increase efficiencies within their facilities:

• Alleviating pressure on staff with digital technology: With 63% of Saudi Arabian healthcare leaders using or planning to use digital health technologies, the future appears promising. Younger healthcare professionals also see the potential benefits, recognizing the potential of data portability, advanced diagnostics, and state-of-the-art AI solutions to improve their work satisfaction. Along with the adoption of advanced technology solutions, 46% of Saudi Arabian's healthcare leaders are forging partnerships with health technology companies, and an equal percentage are engaging with NGOs and charity organizations to help reduce the impact of workforce shortages.
• Prioritizing investments in AI: Saudi Arabian healthcare leaders are championing this shift with a notable (30%) investment in new, more innovative technology. Further evidence of this trend comes from the consensus among healthcare leaders (57%) and younger healthcare professionals (56%), who believe in the transformative potential of new care delivery models, in that they're likely to bring more affordable care or better value for money. These positive sentiments are further highlighted by 53% of all respondents, who responded that improved patient safety was a likely outcome of new care delivery models. A staggering (77%) of leaders are currently harnessing the power of AI, an increase from 46% in 2022, and 73% are offering a form of virtual care. Digital technologies, including AI, are also a key focus of the Kingdom's Health Sector Transformation Program, setting a precedent for ongoing innovation. With an eye toward sustained progress, an impressive (96%) of healthcare leaders are poised to expand their investments in AI, up from 66% in 2022, ensuring that Saudi Arabia remains at the forefront of healthcare technology.
• Partnering to support communities and the environment: A notable (38%) of healthcare leaders are gearing up to forge partnerships with healthcare technology companies in the imminent future. Meanwhile, younger healthcare professionals would like their hospital/healthcare facility to build partnerships outside the conventional bounds of the healthcare sector in order to improve patient outcomes. As environmental sustainability becomes a primary focus in healthcare, Saudi Arabian healthcare leaders are employing specific strategies to navigate these challenges effectively. These include setting clear and ambitious sustainability targets while measuring progress (36%), recruiting more staff with specialized skills to advance these initiatives (36%), consulting or working with third parties to deliver or support sustainability programs (33%), and sharing best practice examples and learning from peers (32%).

Drawing on insights from the global Future Health Index (FHI) 2023 report, Saudi Arabia isn't merely aligning with global healthcare trends - it's leading them. The unwavering momentum provided by Saudi Vision 2030's Health Sector Transformation Programme promises an exciting future for the nation's healthcare landscape.

On the record

"The Future Health Index 2023 underscores Saudi Arabia's transformative vision for healthcare," said Mohammad Mostafa, General Manager of Health Systems at Philips Middle East, Türkiye and Africa. "The nation is investing heavily in AI, recognizing the unmatched potential of virtual care while also taking steps to make healthcare more sustainable, understanding the indispensable role of partnerships in achieving this and ultimately improving and revolutionizing patient care."

"As we delve into the Saudi Arabia-specific insights of the FHI 2023, it is clear that the Kingdom is not merely adapting to change but actively shaping the future of healthcare, added Mohammad Mostafa, General Manager of Health Systems at Philips Middle East, Türkiye and Africa. "The integration of AI, the emphasis on sustainability, and the collaborative spirit underscore the Kingdom's progressive stance."

Methodology

The FHI 2023 report is based on proprietary research among nearly 3,000 healthcare leaders and younger healthcare professionals conducted in 14 countries. For details on the Future Health Index methodology and to access the Future Health Index 2023 Saudi Arabia report in its entirety, visit this page.