Reference no: EM133487491

Case Study: Prior to covid 19 pandemic, Telehealth was not widely used in Saudi Arabia, because of this gap, many patients were unable to access healthcare services. This included patients who lived in rural areas, patients who had difficulty traveling, and patients who had disabilities. In 2021, the Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) issued a regulation that established a framework for the use of telehealth in Saudi Arabia. The regulation defined telehealth, established standards for telehealth services, and required healthcare organizations to offer telehealth services to patients. Issued by Royal decree on 4/11/1426 H, the health practitioner may conduct examination or treatment through the services of telehealth in homes, and workplaces, in accordance with regulations sets by the Ministry of Health. (MOH, 2020). However, TH contributions in the COVID-19 pandemic has played an essential role in mitigating the risk of COVID-19 infection. (Alghamdi, S. M., Alqahtani, J. S., & Aldhahir, A. M, 2020).

Question: It is important to address the practice gap in telehealth to improve access to care and improve the quality of care. The lack of telehealth can significantly impact patients and healthcare organizations, it was significant to prevent the spread of infection, especially during the covid 19 pandemic however other factors might be reducing patient access to healthcare, long waiting lists, Patients may not be able to get the care they need, and increasing the cost of both patient and organization. Government regulation adds value to the delivery of care because telehealth has improved patient care in Saudi Arabia by improving patient accessibility, reducing cost, improved the quality of care provided, and patient satisfaction. Telehealth can reduce costs for both patients and healthcare organizations. Telehealth can save patients money on transportation, parking, and childcare, and healthcare organizations' costs of staffing, rent, and equipment. In conclusion, Telehealth utilization aligns with the Saudi Vision 2030 which aims to increase patient care accessibility, patient satisfaction and to improve patient outcomes.