Digital Response During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background The first case of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia was confirmed on March 3, 2020. Saudi Arabia, like many other countries worldwide, implemented lockdown of most public and private services in response to the pandemic and established population movement restrictions nationwide. With the implementation of these strict mitigation regulations, technology and digital solutions have enabled the provision of essential services. Objective The aim of this paper is to highlight how Saudi Arabia has used digital technology during the COVID-19 pandemic in the domains of public health, health care services, education, telecommunication, commerce, and risk communication. Methods We documented the use of digital technology in Saudi Arabia during the pandemic using publicly available official announcements, press briefings and releases, news clips, published data, peer-reviewed literature, and professional discussions. Results Saudi Arabia’s government and private sectors combined developed and launched approximately 19 apps and platforms that serve public health functions and provide health care services. A detailed account of each is provided. Education processes continued using an established electronic learning infrastructure with a promising direction toward wider adoption in the future. Telecommunication companies exhibited smooth collaboration as well as innovative initiatives to support ongoing efforts. Risk communication activities using social media, websites, and SMS text messaging followed best practice guides. Conclusions The Saudi Vision 2030 framework, released in 2017, has paved the path for digital transformation. COVID-19 enabled the promotion and testing of this transition. In Saudi Arabia, the use of artificial intelligence in integrating different data sources during future outbreaks could be further explored. Also, decreasing the number of mobile apps and merging their functions could increase and facilitate their use.

The role of social media in spreading panic among primary and secondary school students during the COVID-19 pandemic: An online questionnaire study from the Gaza Strip, Palestine

“…Hassounah et al. [ 72 ] confirmed that the ministry of health in Saudi Arabia used social media platforms to disseminate correct information about COVID-19 and to distribute health education materials that cover topics related to COVID-19. Shimizu [ 73 ] reported that the media has concentrated on the COVID-19 and considered it as a dangerous threat, which has added to fear, stress, and panic among the public.…”

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice About Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic and Its Psychological Impact on Students and Their Studies: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Pharmacy Students in Saudi Arabia

“…Alongside this, an appreciable investment in technology infrastructure and telehealth in recent years in line with Saudi vision 2030 was made. 67 , 108 This investment resulted in 19 applications and digital platforms in the health care sector being used during the pandemic, facilitating the provision of health services including telemedicine and telecare. 67 In addition, Qassim University had good technology infrastructure and e-learning systems even before the pandemic, and it was considered one of the most active e-learning universities in Saudi Arabia.…”

“…Online and distance learning at the schools and universities, 66 as well as working from home, has been facilitated by major investments in digitalization, technology and artificial intelligence in Saudi Arabia in line with its 2030 vision. 67 …”

Telemedicine for Musculoskeletal Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evaluating Readiness of Saudi Citizens

“…Telemedicine is used to deliver real-time communication from a distant place between the doctor and the patient through an electronic device (either phone or video call) [5,16]. Telemedicine was identified as an effective way to deliver medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it can be very helpful for the orthopedic specialty [7][8][9][10]. Telemedicine has been considered successful for delivering care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia [17].…”

“…Patients affected by COVID-19 can receive medical care through these applications. One application, Rest Assured or Tetamman, provides healthcare support mainly to citizens or residents in domestic isolation or quarantine [8]. Another application is Seha which offers consultations and diagnostic services to patients [9].…”