Name: Salman Fahd Zafar Al-Qahtani
Name:Muhammad Saad Musalat Al-Sahli
Name:Naji Hassan Mohammed Al Mansouri
Name:Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed Aty
Name: Saeed moajeb saeed alshahrani
Name:Raed Hamoud Bathhi Al-Mutairi
Name:Abdullah Makad Osimer Al-Mutairi
Name:Raed Fayeh and Samer Al-Mutairi
The Role of Electronic Health Records s in Improving the Management of Chronic Diseases in Saudi Arabia
ABSTRACT
Chronic diseases represent a significant health challenge worldwide, accounting for a substantial portion of mortality in Saudi Arabia. The effective management of these diseases requires comprehensive, longitudinal data on patient health, which can be facilitated by Electronic Health Records (EHRs). EHRs are central to improving healthcare systems by providing accessible, high-quality health data that support evidence-based decision-making and enhance the management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. This study investigates the role of EHRs in enhancing the management of chronic diseases in Saudi Arabia, specifically focusing on the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) implementation of EHR systems. The research examines the effectiveness of EHRs in providing rich data on disease frequency distribution, categorizing chronic diseases by sociodemographic factors, and identifying at-risk patients. The study also evaluates barriers to EHR adoption, such as lack of computer literacy and insufficient experience among healthcare providers. Using a cross-sectional design and secondary data from EHRs, the research found statistically significant improvements in the management of chronic diseases in King Fahd Medical City with increased EHR usage. The study concludes that EHR systems play a vital role in chronic disease management by improving patient care, supporting health professionals, and facilitating public health monitoring. Recommendations include enhancing technological infrastructure and providing further training to healthcare workers, to align with the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 in improving health services. Future studies are suggested to focus on increasing the effectiveness and utilization of EHR systems in the country’s healthcare institutions.
