Managing Change in Healthcare Organizations in Saudi Arabia: A Focus on Ehr Implementation

  • Alreshidi Bunaiyan Sumaih B. et al.
Keywords: Electronic Health Records (EHR), Change Management, Healthcare Organizations, Saudi Arabia, Stakeholder Engagement, Cultural Resistance, Technological Literacy, Leadership, Communication, Training Programs, Continuous Improvement, Data Analytics

Abstract

The introduction of Electronic Health Records (EHR) in healthcare organizations across Saudi Arabia represents a significant shift toward digital transformation, aimed at enhancing patient care and streamlining clinical workflows. However, successfully managing this change requires a thorough understanding of the unique challenges within the Saudi healthcare system, including cultural resistance, varying levels of technological literacy among staff, and the need for comprehensive training programs. To foster a smooth transition, healthcare leaders must engage stakeholders, including physicians, nurses, and administrative staff, early in the process, ensuring they feel included in decision-making and understand the benefits of EHR implementation. Encouraging an organizational culture that prioritizes continuous learning and adaptability will also be crucial in mitigating resistance to change and promoting acceptance. Effective change management strategies must encompass strong leadership, clear communication, and ongoing support throughout the EHR implementation process. Leaders should not only articulate the vision and objectives of EHR adoption but also provide a framework for addressing concerns and feedback from staff at all levels. Establishing a phased implementation approach, complemented by robust training sessions and troubleshooting support, can help ease the transition and allow for adjustments based on real-time experiences. By leveraging data analytics, healthcare organizations can also measure the impact of EHR systems on patient outcomes and operational efficiency, thus enabling them to refine their approaches and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Author Biography

Alreshidi Bunaiyan Sumaih B. et al.

Alreshidi Bunaiyan Sumaih B.¹, Al Shammari Farah Hamoud A.², Ohud Abed Aljuaid³, Nader Khazal Farhan Alruwaili⁴, Mohammed Malahed Alsharai⁵, Faisal Muqbil Menwer Alotaibi⁶, Khamis Nazal Alhazmi⁷, Siddiq Ashwaq Abdulrahman B.⁸, Fahad Raja Kasab Aldawaihi⁹, Raed Mastour Ayed Al-Saadi¹⁰

¹ Medical Records Technician, Samra Primary Health Care Center, Hail, Hail Region, Saudi Arabia
² Health Administration And Community Health, Shuaibat Primary Health Care Center, Hail, Hail Region, Saudi Arabia
³ Health Informatics, Taif Dental Center, Taif, Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia
⁴ Medical Secretary Technician, Suwair General Hospital, Sakaka, Al-Jouf Region, Saudi Arabia
⁵ Specialist - Health Administration, Health Control Centre, Haditha, Al-Qurayyat, Al-Jouf Region, Saudi Arabia
⁶ Technician - Health Administration, Shaqra General Hospital, Shaqra, Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia
⁷ Technician - Health Information, Human Resources Department, Northern Borders Health Cluster, Arar, Northern Borders Region, Saudi Arabia
⁸ Health Information Technician, Tabuk Health Cluster - Medical Records Department, Maternity And Children Hospital, Tabuk, Tabuk Region, Saudi Arabia
⁹ Health Administration, King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital, Sakaka, Al-Jouf Region, Saudi Arabia
¹⁰ Technician - Health Informatics, Taif Health Cluster - King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital, Taif, Makkah Region, Saudi Arabia

Published
2023-02-04
Section
Regular Issue