Philips ‘Future Health Index’ 2022 research shows that Saudi Arabian healthcare leaders are radically shifting priorities as they emerge from the pandemic  

• Healthcare leaders in Saudi Arabia are today building upon technological advances made

during the pandemic.

• Investment in AI-based technologies is expected to increase from 46% this year to 66% in 2023
• Healthcare leaders are leveraging a wide variety of strategic partnerships to overcome barriers to full data optimization
• One in four (26%) of Saudi Arabia’s healthcare leaders say that improving tech infrastructure in their facilities is the most important priority if they are to fully unlock the power of data
• Healthcare leaders see an expanded role for predictive analytics, from its current use in clinical decision-making to improving operational efficiency in the future

Saudi Arabia – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, today announced the publication of its Future Health Index (FHI) 2022 report: ‘Healthcare hits reset: Priorities shift as healthcare leaders navigate a changed world’. Now in its seventh year, the Future Health Index 2022 report, based on proprietary research from almost 3,000 respondents conducted across 15 countries, explores how healthcare leaders are harnessing the power of data and digital technology as they look to address their key challenges coming out of the pandemic.

The Future Health Index 2022 report provides a clear indication of strong momentum in innovation within Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system. Building upon advances already made during the pandemic, leaders in the Kingdom are once again turning their focus to being at the forefront of healthcare. Expanding patient care, unlocking the power of digital health, and leveraging strategic partnerships have emerged as top priorities for Saudi Arabia in its journey toward vision 2030.

“Over the past two years, pressure on the healthcare industry has been unrelenting. Today, as we emerge from the pandemic, we see healthcare leaders embarking on a reset – refocusing on several new and existing priorities, from addressing staff shortages to extending care delivery, to leveraging big data and predictive analytics, as they navigate new realities in medical management. Telehealth and digital health records have emerged at the forefront of driving technology-led transformation in healthcare in Saudi Arabia” said Eng. Mohamed Sindi, CEO of Philips Healthcare Saudi Arabia.

The FHI 2022 Saudi Arabia report highlighted three priorities for healthcare leaders as they strive to further expand access to care and deliver better patient outcomes:

Expanding care through digital health technologies

In the post-COVID world, people continue to demand care beyond the hospital walls, making it necessary for healthcare leaders to continue to invest in technology and focus on enabling their workforce to support this. With many digital health tools already implemented, broader innovation is at the top of leaders’ priority list. One-fifth (22%) of Saudi leaders cite extending care delivery beyond the hospital walls as a top priority today and 26% expect to prioritize it in three years’ time.

Digital and telehealth investments by healthcare leaders will also reduce staff workloads, thus improving staff retention and satisfaction, which is an important priority for 23% of leaders with 29% expecting it to remain a priority for the next three years.

Driving efficiency through innovation and partnership

With digital health now firmly embedded in healthcare delivery, it is imperative for healthcare leaders to unlock the next level of data utilization that will improve the efficiency of care delivery. The FHI Saudi Arabia 2022 research revealed that healthcare leaders are nurturing strategic partnerships with health technology companies for access to various kinds of expertise. 33% of leaders seek partnerships that provide support in healthcare management services, as well as data analysis. 32% want partnerships that support technology integration, while 29% seek support in shaping a strategic vision.

Investments in AI and predictive analytics for improved care delivery

Advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and predictive analytics help to identify trends, optimize processes, and reduce costs. Saudi Arabia is on par with the European average when it comes to the use of predictive analytics, with 48% of healthcare leaders currently utilizing or in the process of adopting such technologies. More than three-quarters of respondents believe that predictive analytics can improve staff experiences as well as patient outcomes. One in four (26%) of Saudi Arabia’s healthcare leaders say that improving tech infrastructure in their facilities is the most important priority if they are to fully unlock the power of data.

Saudi Arabian healthcare leaders are also committed to AI-based technologies, with 46% investing in these technologies this year and 66% planning to invest in 2023. Some areas where leaders are investing in AI applications include integrating diagnostics, predicting outcomes, and clinical decision support. The proportion of leaders investing in Artificial Intelligence related to optimizing operational efficiency is expected to more than double from 13% in 2022 to 29% in the next three years.

Re-committing efforts to more high-tech innovation, staff satisfaction, and strategic partnerships, healthcare leaders in the Kingdom are dedicated to increasing access to care, improving staffing, and enhancing population health, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Since 2016, Philips has conducted original research to help determine the readiness of countries to address global health challenges and build efficient and effective health systems. For details on the Future Health Index methodology and to access the Future Health Index 2022 Saudi Arabia report in its entirety, visit: link.

For further information, please contact:

Rengin Erdinc

Head of Brand and Communications

Philips Middle East & Turkey

Tel: +905 49 772 13 50 | Email: [email protected] 

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people’s health and well-being, and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum – from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips generated 2021 sales of EUR 17.2 billion and employs approximately 79,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.