Exploring Digital Health Technologies as a Solution to the Economic Challenges of Chronic Disease Management in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This paper explored how digital health tech can lower the costs of managing chronic disease in KSA while increasing the quality of life for the patients. Quantitative and qualitative information was collected through self-administered questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, focus group discussions, review of institutional records, and site visits. An analysis of the results confirmed increased utilization of care hours output, decreased hospitalizations, and better cost-effectiveness. The quantitative analysis was performed in which a total sample size of 100 individuals was taken. Descriptive Statistics, Correlation, and Regression tools have been applied to reach the final verdict. Based on the analysis, it is found that there is a connection between the implementation of digital health technologies and managing chronic disease, reducing the economic burden, and improving the patient’s healthcare outcomes. Hence, Saudi Arabia needs to use digital health technologies to become optimum in the future. The themes derived from interviews included improving patient satisfaction, healthcare accessibility, and the importance of real-time data when making clinical decisions. Despite the proven effectiveness of these technologies, challenges such as digital literacy gaps among healthcare workers and patients hinders the effective adoption and utilization of digital health technologies, infrastructure limitations specifically in rural areas that restrict access to reliable internet and digital healthcare service, and data protection concerns persist.