Author(s): Ministry of Health
Resource Type: Case studies
Countries: Saudi Arabia
Keywords: Health, Public Sector Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing
Seha Virtual Hospital
Source in English: ENACT Case Study - Seha Virtual Hospital, Saudi Arabia
The Seha Virtual Hospital has emerged as a transformative force in the realm of healthcare, introducing an innovative approach that harnesses technology to revolutionize patient care and access to medical services. Through a convergence of advanced telehealth technologies, data-driven insights, and specialized expertise, the initiative has marked a significant departure from traditional healthcare paradigms. The results of this endeavour are nothing short of remarkable, underscoring the profound impact it has had on healthcare provision and beyond.
Launched in 2021 (ongoing)
Principles supported
- Responsiveness
- Trust
- Transparency
- Inclusiveness
- Effectiveness
Technology focus
Connectivity (high speed internet/broadband) technologies - Cloud computing - Cybersecurity technologies - Data centres - Artificial intelligence - Big data - Open Data - Immersive technologies (extended reality technologies such as VR, AR & Mixed Reality (MR)) - Blockchain - Geospatial technologies (GIS, GPS and remote sensing) - Internet of Things
Purpose
Public sector innovation - Digital government - Access to Information
The project aims to revolutionize healthcare by integrating advanced telehealth technologies and data-driven methods, expanding access, and fostering innovation. The Seha Virtual Hospital uses digital platforms and expertise to overcome barriers, improve care, and provide diverse medical services. It also enhances skills of healthcare professionals to adapt to digital health changes, aligning with national healthcare goals.
Functions
The Seha Virtual Hospital functions as a pivotal conduit, seamlessly granting access to specialized healthcare services across all regions of the Kingdom in a prompt manner. By embracing digital transformation and harnessing cutting-edge technologies, it not only supports innovation but actively contributes to the dissemination of knowledge and the exchange of experiences, amplifying the overall quality and efficiency of health services. This transformative initiative is structured around five principal pathways:
- It ensures emergency and critical care virtual consultations, encompassing virtual stroke consultations and immersive daily critical care assessments.
- The hospital hosts Virtual Specialized Clinics catering to diverse medical needs, such as blood diseases, psychiatry, kidney ailments, endocrinology, diabetes, genetic conditions, medical rehabilitation, and heart disorders.
- It facilitates Multidisciplinary Virtual Committees, uniting virtual national teams for heart health, diabetes management, and psychological well-being.
- The initiative encompasses Virtual Medical Support Services, offering virtual diagnostic radiology, pathology assessments, and pharmacy consultations.
- Seha Virtual Hospital extends its reach to encompass home care services, including 'Hospital at Home' provisions and the virtual monitoring of heart failure patients, ensuring comprehensive and holistic healthcare delivery that transcends geographical boundaries.
Outcomes, impacts & changes
Before the start of this activity in 2017, only three government entities had their data published on the platform, and the number increased to reach 28 government entities that publish and update their data on the platform. The open data published on the platform reached 300 data sets, which was expected to reach 500 by the end of 2020. The platform shows the number of contributing entities and published data sets.
