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Sheerah HA, AlSalamah S, Alsalamah SA, Lu CT, Arafa A, Zaatari E, Alhomod A, Pujari S, Labrique A. The Rise of Virtual Health Care: Transforming the Health Care Landscape in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Review Article. Telemed J E Health 2024. [PMID: 38984415 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2024.0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rise of virtual healthcare underscores the transformative influence of digital technologies in reshaping the healthcare landscape. As technology advances and the global demand for accessible and convenient healthcare services escalates, the virtual healthcare sector is gaining unprecedented momentum. Saudi Arabia, with its ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, is actively embracing digital innovation in the healthcare sector. METHODS In this narrative review, we discussed the key drivers and prospects of virtual healthcare in Saudi Arabia, highlighting its potential to enhance healthcare accessibility, quality, and patient outcomes. We also summarized the role of the COVID-19 pandemic in the digital transformation of healthcare in the country. Healthcare services provided by Seha Virtual Hospital in Saudi Arabia, the world's largest and Middle East's first virtual hospital, were also described. Finally, we proposed a roadmap for the future development of virtual health in the country. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The integration of virtual healthcare into the existing healthcare system can enhance patient experiences, improve outcomes, and contribute to the overall well-being of the population. However, careful planning, collaboration, and investment are essential to overcome the challenges and ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of virtual healthcare in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haytham A Sheerah
- Ministry of Health, Office of the Vice Minister of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shada AlSalamah
- Information Systems Department, College of Computer and Information Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Digital Health and Innovation, Science Division, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sara A Alsalamah
- College of Computer and Information Sciences, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Computer Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Chang-Tien Lu
- Department of Computer Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Ahmed Arafa
- Department of Preventive Cardiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Ezzedine Zaatari
- Ministry of Health, Office of the Vice Minister of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz Alhomod
- Ministry of Health, SEHA Virtual Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Emergency Medicine Administration, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sameer Pujari
- Department of Digital Health and Innovation, Science Division, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alain Labrique
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland,United States
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Ambalavanan R, Snead RS, Marczika J, Malioukis A. Epidemiological contemplation for a currently pragmatic COVID-19 health passport: a perspective. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1347623. [PMID: 38414904 PMCID: PMC10896918 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1347623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a global pandemic that has wreaked havoc on the lives of millions of people around the world. Confinement measures aim to reduce the epidemic's spread and minimize the burden of morbidity and mortality. In response to the challenges caused by the pandemic, digital health passports have been developed exponentially. We highlight the latent epidemiological barriers to health passports to achieve standardized digital care platforms. This review paper not only highlights the epidemiological barriers but also articulates the possible infrastructure required to make the International Standard for a multi-factor authenticated and validated health passport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radha Ambalavanan
- Research Department, The Self Research Institute, Broken Arrow, OK, United States
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Towett G, Snead RS, Grigoryan K, Marczika J. Geographical and practical challenges in the implementation of digital health passports for cross-border COVID-19 pandemic management: a narrative review and framework for solutions. Global Health 2023; 19:98. [PMID: 38066568 PMCID: PMC10709942 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-023-00998-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid global spread of infectious diseases, epitomized by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, has highlighted the critical need for effective cross-border pandemic management strategies. Digital health passports (DHPs), which securely store and facilitate the sharing of critical health information, including vaccination records and test results, have emerged as a promising solution to enable safe travel and access to essential services and economic activities during pandemics. However, the implementation of DHPs faces several significant challenges, both related to geographical disparities and practical considerations, necessitating a comprehensive approach for successful global adoption. In this narrative review article, we identify and elaborate on the critical geographical and practical barriers that hinder global adoption and the effective utilization of DHPs. Geographical barriers are complex, encompassing disparities in vaccine access, regulatory inconsistencies, differences across countries in data security and users' privacy policies, challenges related to interoperability and standardization, and inadequacies in technological infrastructure and limited access to digital technologies. Practical challenges include the possibility of vaccine contraindications and breakthrough infections, uncertainties surrounding natural immunity, and limitations of standard tests in assessing infection risk. To address geographical disparities and enhance the functionality and interoperability of DHPs, we propose a framework that emphasizes international collaboration to achieve equitable access to vaccines and testing resources. Furthermore, we recommend international cooperation to establish unified vaccine regulatory frameworks, adopting globally accepted standards for data privacy and protection, implementing interoperability protocols, and taking steps to bridge the digital divide. Addressing practical challenges requires a meticulous approach to assessing individual risk and augmenting DHP implementation with rigorous health screenings and personal infection prevention measures. Collectively, these initiatives contribute to the development of robust and inclusive cross-border pandemic management strategies, ultimately promoting a safer and more interconnected global community in the face of current and future pandemics.
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