A multi-perspective approach to developing the Saudi Health Informatics Competency Framework
| dc.contributor.author | Almalki, Manal | |
| dc.contributor.author | Jamal, Amr | |
| dc.contributor.author | Househ, Mowafa | |
| dc.contributor.author | Alhefzi, Mohammed | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2021-03-01T23:26:45Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2021-03-01T23:26:45Z | |
| dc.date.copyright | 2021 | en_US |
| dc.date.issued | 2021 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Background Determining the key sets of competencies necessary for a Health Informatics (HI) professional to practice effectively either solo or as a member of a multidisciplinary team has been challenging for the regulator and registration body responsible for the healthcare workforce in Saudi Arabia, which is the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS). Objective The aim of this study was to develop a HI competency framework to guide SCFHS to introduce a HI certification program that meets local healthcare needs and is aligned with the national digital health transformation strategy. Methodology A two-phase mixed methods approach was used in this study. For phase 1, a scoping review was conducted to identify HI competencies that have been published in the relevant literature. Out of a total 116 articles found relevant, 20 were included for further analysis. For phase 2, Saudi HI stakeholders (N = 24) that included HI professionals, administrators, academics, and healthcare professionals were identified and participated in an online survey, and asked to rank the importance of HI competencies distinguished in phase 1. To further validate and contextualize the competency framework, multiple focus groups and expert panel meetings were undertaken with the key stakeholders. Results For phase 1, about 1315 competencies were initially extracted from the included studies. After iterative reviews and refinements of codes and themes, 6 preliminary domains, 23 sub-domains and 152 competencies were identified. In phase 2, a total of 24 experts participated in the online surveys and ranked 58 out of 152 competencies as ‘very important/required’, each received 75 % or more of votes. The remaining competencies (N = 94) were included in a list for a further discussion in the focus groups. A Total of fourteen HI experts accepted and joined in the focus groups. The multiphase approach resulted in a competency framework that included 92 competencies, that were grouped into 6 domains and 22 subdomains. The six key domains are: Core Principles; Information and Communication Technology (ICT); Health Sciences; Health Data Analytics; Education and Research; Leadership and Management. Conclusion The study developed the Saudi Health Informatics Competency Framework (SHICF) that is based on an iterative, evidence-based approach, with validation from key stakeholders. Future work should continue the validation, review, and development of the framework with continued collaboration from relevant stakeholders representing both the healthcare and educational communities. We anticipate that this work will be expanded and adopted by relative professional and scientific bodies in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. | en_US |
| dc.description.reviewstatus | Reviewed | en_US |
| dc.description.scholarlevel | Faculty | en_US |
| dc.description.sponsorship | This work has been produced by the Saudi Health Informatics Competencies Working Group that is led by Dr Manal Almalki, which is part of the National Advisory Committee for Health Informatics that is led by Dr Amr Jamal. It was funded by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS). We also would like to thank Dr Rasita Banu and Ms Wajiha Rahman, from the Faculty of Public Health and Tropical Medicine at Jazan University, for their assistance during the processes of thematic analysis. The authors are also grateful to the Deanship of Scientific Research, King Saud University for funding through Vice Deanship of Scientific Research Chairs. | en_US |
| dc.identifier.citation | Almalki, M., Jamal, A., Househ, M., & Alhefzi, M. (2021). A multi-perspective approach to developing the Saudi Health Informatics Competency Framework. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 146, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2020.104362. | en_US |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2020.104362 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/1828/12729 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | en_US |
| dc.publisher | International Journal of Medical Informatics | en_US |
| dc.subject | Health informatics | en_US |
| dc.subject | Competency framework | en_US |
| dc.subject | Saudi Arabia | en_US |
| dc.subject | Healthcare workforce | en_US |
| dc.subject | Digital health | en_US |
| dc.subject | Certification | en_US |
| dc.title | A multi-perspective approach to developing the Saudi Health Informatics Competency Framework | en_US |
| dc.type | Article | en_US |