Systematic review of quality of care in Saudi Arabia. A forecast of a high quality health care

OBJECTIVES: To explore the current structure of the Saudi health care system, and assess the quality of health care in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) based on the indicators provided by the Institute of Medicine (IOM), and to provide recommendations for improvements.

METHODS: This study explores the current structure of the Saudi health care system using a systematic review of studies published between 2009 and 2013. The IOM indicators of quality health care (safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable) are used to determine the current quality of healthcare in KSA. Studies that examined the quality of health care were evaluated for methodological soundness by giving a quality score based on Russell and Gregory’s criteria.

RESULTS: The quality of healthcare in KSA has progressed significantly over the recent years at all levels of health services. Like many countries, KSA is investing money and efforts to improve quality of healthcare in the Kingdom. Although significant progress has been made, barriers affecting this quality are still apparent as the general population increases, patients’ health care needs, and demands are also rising. Factors affecting the quality of healthcare can be categorized into patient factors (such as health literacy, access to care, and culture), and providers’ factors (including medical care, workload, culture, and job satisfaction).

CONCLUSION: As a result of these unaddressed issues, the quality of healthcare in the Kingdom may be degenerating. Additionally, as the population of KSA has increased and medical technology has become more sophisticated and costly, and patients’ demands and expectations have also increased. Providing quality healthcare to all patients is a fundamental human right. Poor quality healthcare causes patient suffering, institutional waste, and misuse of community resources.