title: The use of health information technology in saudi primary healthcare centers.
abstract: The purpose of this exploratory study is to provide an overview of health information technologies (HITs) used in primary healthcare centers (PHCC) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Data collection methods included key stakeholder interviews and an academic search using a variety of keyword terms. Evidence shows that the use of health information technologies in Saudi PHCCs is growing although is still in its early stages. Despite the numerous steps undertaken in upgrading and operating the Kingdom electronic health information system (EHIS) as a consequence of the national strategic roadmap of alignment with the electronic health (e-Health) Strategic objectives, yet there is still a mounting need to address realistic approaches in implementing e-health services in Saudi PHCCs. Particularly, tackling barriers that hinder the use of EHIS in PHCCs.
authors.affiliation: Prince Megren Data Mining Research Center (MEGDAM), Prince Sultan University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Ahmad
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Almaiman
authors.affiliation: College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), National Guard Health Affairs (NGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Salwa
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bahkali
authors.affiliation: National Guard Health Affair, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Suha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Alfrih
authors.affiliation: College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), National Guard Health Affairs (NGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Mowafa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Househ
authors.affiliation: College of Public Health and Health Informatics, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), National Guard Health Affairs (NGHA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
authors.forename: Ashraf
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: El Metwally
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D003197:Computer Literacy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D057286:Electronic Health Records / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D063005:Health Information Systems / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008490:Medical Informatics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012529:Saudi Arabia / Q000453:epidemiology; D014600:Utilization Review