At the Global Health Exhibition 2023 various talks took place to spark dialogue on the future of preventative health. Dr. Khalid Abdulkareem, Assistant Deputy Minister for Primary Healthcare at the Ministry of Health in KSA, took the stage to specifically address the role of team-based care in public health programmes, and how it lends to the future of preventative health. In his talk, he emphasised the ongoing journey towards reshaping healthcare delivery and achieving significant improvements in primary care services.
Two years ago, the Ministry of Health embarked on a transformation journey to enhance primary care services across Saudi Arabia. Presently, their primary care network comprises over 2,000 primary care centres distributed throughout various regions. Dr. Abdulkareem outlined the complex operation of securing access, ensuring quality, and enhancing customer satisfaction across this extensive network.
The transformation journey is characterised by the establishment of accountable primary care teams, typically comprising a doctor, nurse, health coach, and case manager. These teams are responsible for a defined number of patients and are tasked with conducting preventive and therapeutic interventions. The goal is to transform the healthcare system from a reactive to a proactive model, emphasising patient engagement and outcomes.
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The Ministry of Health has laid the foundation for this transformation by addressing legislation and mandates, creating digital platforms, focusing on population engagement, and delivering comprehensive training programs. Legislation and mandates have been pivotal in making team-based care a core standard for primary care centres.
Digital platforms, including the Unified Health Information Exchange system, have been deployed to connect over 2,000 centres. This platform facilitates appointment bookings, team management, and clinical pathway implementation. Additionally, the Ministry has invested in SEHA, a national platform that enables patient registration, appointment booking, and secure communication with healthcare teams.
The transformation journey involves robust monitoring and intervention, utilising dashboards and digital tools to ensure the success of team-based care. Teams are encouraged to communicate with patients proactively, reaching out to those who may not have visited the primary care centres and conducting preventive and therapeutic interventions.
In this effort, clinical pathways have been developed for conditions like breast cancer, colon cancer, and antenatal care. These pathways serve as guidelines for healthcare professionals and help track patient progress and adherence.
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Patients have the opportunity to communicate with their healthcare teams and book appointments through an intuitive digital platform. This system enhances patient engagement and eases the burden of healthcare professionals while offering patients a convenient channel to communicate with their providers.
Dr. Abdulkareem concluded his talk by highlighting the achievements of the transformation journey to date. The establishment of primary care teams, robust digital platforms, and continuous monitoring have set the stage for an integrated and proactive healthcare system. The Assistant Deputy Minister and his team are leveraging AI and other technological advancements in healthcare to further enhance patient care. His presentation shed light on the progress and promising future of public health programs and primary care delivery in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Looking ahead, the aim is to move forward in the journey towards a more patient-centric healthcare system in Saudi Arabia.
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Don’t forget to pick up your copy of Omnia Health from the entrances of Halls 1 and 4. As the official Editorial partner of Global Health Exhibition, the latest edition features insights from affluential leaders alongside key catalysts driving healthcare markets in the region. In case you missed it, you can access the digital version HERE.
