Challenges and Opportunities of Health Informatics and Health Information Management Career in Saudi Arabia: A Qualitative Study

Background and Purpose: Healthcare organizations rely on Health Information Management (HIM) to manage patient information. Providing complete, secure, and accessible health information is an obligation for hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The health information management profession has evolved around the world over the years. Despite its remarkable progress, this rapid evolution was accompanied by a variety of challenges. To cover the growing demand for HIIM professionals in the health care industry, a clear link between HIIM educational programs and job market demands must be developed. However, there are many promising opportunities to develop HIIM professions and educational aspects in the future. In order to provide strategies and recommendations for future development and growth, the study examined the current state of HIIM professions in Saudi Arabia. The Method: In Saudi Arabia, 49 key informant interviews were conducted using a qualitative research approach (CEOs, health informaticists, and other key stakeholders). To categorize the emerging themes and formulate a strategic direction for the profession, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats framework was used. The Results: A number of strengths of HIIM professions were reported by informants, such as the growth and motivation of HIIM Saudi professionals. Informants indicated several weaknesses, including a shortage of specialized faculty in HIIM at KSA universities, a shortage of Saudi professionals in the field, and marketing and advocacy issues. Saudi Vision 2030, specialized and expert faculty of HIIM in Ksau-hs and Al-Dammam University, and conducting conferences relevant to HIIM were some of the opportunities found. There are threats addressed, such as the lack of clarity of HIIM career pathways, control of HIIM leadership by computer science specialists, and involvement of unspecialized academicians in the HIIM curriculum. The Conclusion: As a result of the strong transmission of digital health in Saudi Arabia, many unique opportunities exist for HIIM professionals, which promises to enhance the strengths and opportunities of HIIM professionals for the upcoming years while reducing their weaknesses and threats.