Perceptions on using health information exchange to ensure continuity of care among nurses, dental assistants, and patients: A cross-sectional study in the Asir Region of Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Health information exchange (HIE) enables secure electronic health data sharing to enhance patient care, reduce errors, and ensure continuity across providers. It supports effective coordination by providing up-to-date information, particularly during care transitions. Raising awareness and adopting digital solutions are vital for maximizing its benefits. Aim: The study aims to investigate the perceptions, knowledge, attitudes, and readiness to adopt HIE systems among nurses, dental assistants, and patients in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia, focusing on the system’s potential to enhance continuity of care (CoC). Materials and Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design to assess nurses’, dental assistants’, and patients’ perceptions of HIE in Asir, Saudi Arabia. A prestructured questionnaire collected sociodemographic data and assessed knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to use HIE. Using stratified random sampling, 285 participants were recruited. Data were analyzed with SPSS and SmartPLS, employing descriptive statistics, regression, and analysis of variance to examine predictors of HIE adoption. Results and Discussion: Awareness of HIE systems was low across all groups, with only 39% of patients, 20% of nurses, and 21% of dental assistants being aware of the technology. Attitude was a significant predictor of adoption intention, particularly among nurses and dental assistants, while knowledge showed mixed influence. HIE was perceived to enhance treatment coordination and safety, though privacy concerns were moderate. Sociodemographic factors influenced perceptions, with younger and educated participants showing more favorable attitudes. Conclusions: HIE systems have the potential to improve CoC in semi-rural settings. Addressing barriers such as limited awareness, privacy concerns, and infrastructural challenges through targeted training, public education, and regional infrastructure development is essential for broader adoption in the Asir region.