The Role of Virtual Clinics in Saudi Healthcare Transformation: Insights from the Saudi Population

Abstract

Background: Telemedicine has become an essential solution in healthcare by increasing accessibility and lowering burdens on healthcare systems, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Saudi Arabia, the growth of telemedicine aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, thereby highlighting the importance of evaluating patient satisfaction to optimize service provision and find solutions to existing challenges.
Objective of the study: to assess patient satisfaction with Saudi telemedicine services, focusing on overall satisfaction, post-consultation experiences, clinician interaction, and ease of use. It also assessed how satisfaction ratings are associated with demographic and service-related characteristics.
Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out using an electronic questionnaire distributed via social media. 1,072 participants were recruited through convenience sampling. SPSS data analysis utilized descriptive and inferential statistical methods to assess the associations between satisfaction levels and demographic factors.
Results: Overall satisfaction scores indicated a positive experience. Private telehealth consumers, those with postgraduate degrees, and participants older than 30 were all found to have a higher level of satisfaction. According to the four-point Likert scale, most participants rated telemedicine services as good to excellent in all evaluated domains,
Conclusion: Private service users and highly educated Saudi Arabians have expressed positive perceptions toward telemedicine services. While satisfaction ratings are generally high, there is potential for improvement in appointment scheduling and post-consultation support. Future research should concentrate on developing strategies to improve the accessibility of telehealth and assessing long-term adoption trends.