Strengths and Obstacles of Health Informatics and Health Information Management Education and Professions in Hail City, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Health and higher education ministries in Saudi Arabia recognize the need for a highly qualified workforce specializing in health informatics and information management (HIIM). Therefore, KSA colleges and universities offer HIIM programs, health information systems, and health information technology. It is critical to investigate the HIIM professions and education in Hail City due to differences in these educational programs. This study examined HIIM professions and education in Hail City, Saudi Arabia, and provided strategies and recommendations. Based on a qualitative research approach, we interviewed 39 academicians, health informaticians, and other stakeholders in Hail City. The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT) framework was used to explore HIIM status and make recommendations. According to participants, HIIM Saudi professionals in Hail City have been growing and motivated, as have the university's undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Informants indicated several weaknesses, but many opportunities were found, including Saudi Vision 2030 and a new HIIM faculty at the University of Hail. According to our findings, relevant specialties control HIIM leadership while unspecialized academicians provide instruction. The extraordinary transmission of digital health in Saudi Arabia promises to enhance HIIM professions and education strengths and opportunities and reduce their weaknesses and threats. Copyright © 2024, Alhur et al.