Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the readiness of Saudi Arabian patients towards the adoption of the e-health system through the use of mobile phones.
Methods: In this research, a cross-sectional survey was carried out using a self-administered structured questionnaire. According to the results, 354 people viewed the questionnaire and 129 respondents were selected to assess the adoption of the e-health system in Saudi Arabia. The data were collected during February-March 2020.
Results: More than half of the respondents (63.6%) were women and almost half of the participants (48.0%) were married. Most of the surveyed patients suffered from cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Almost all the participants (99.0%) had their personal mobile phone and used the Internet on these devices. Most of the participants did not trust or believe in online health services or online medical consultations and did not spend money on contracting health services through mobile phones. It is suggested that the lack of motivation to adopt the e-health system may be due to fear of privacy violations, fear of loss of personal data and information, lack of technical support, and mistrust in doctors who frequently use their cell phones to distract themselves during work-hours.
Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that the population of Saudi Arabia is reluctant to adopt the electronic e-health system promoted in the Saudi Vision 2030 strategic plan. To change this behavior, it is necessary to develop awareness campaigns and strategies that suggest the importance of using e-heath in the Saudi Arabian healthcare system. Additionally, it is essential that the network administrator implement procedures to protect the confidentiality and security of patients' medical records.