COLLEGE of NURSING
BSN 2 AY 2024-2025, 2nd Semester
Saudi Arabia and Qatar:
Hospital Information
Systems
Group 2
Casidsid, Rex
Celajes, Mariel Nicalen
De La Rama, Jestine
Dignadice, Nhezel Lyn
Encarnacion, Jopie Ann
Galleto, Alexah
Garcia, Jose Mario
Goba, Cordel Daniel
Guarte, Wayne Marc
Gustilo, Karla Anne
I. Saudi Arabia: Hospital Information Systems
1. Seha Virtual Hospital (SVH)
Description:
Launched by the Saudi Ministry of Health, SVH is the world's largest virtual hospital,
connecting 224 hospitals and offering 44 specialized services, including cardiology,
neurology, and psychiatry.
Key Features:
• Remote consultations via video conferencing.
• Integration with wearable devices for patient monitoring.
• Centralized electronic health records (EHR) accessible across connected
facilities.
Integration with EHR/Mobile Tools:
• Seamless EHR integration ensures real-time data sharing among healthcare
providers.
• Mobile applications facilitate patient access to services and health information.
Advantages:
• Enhanced access to specialized care, especially for patients in remote areas.
• Improved continuity of care through centralized patient records.
• Reduced need for patient travel, lowering associated costs and risks.
Disadvantages:
• Dependence on stable internet connectivity, which may be limited in certain
regions.
• Potential challenges in patient engagement and adaptation to virtual care models.
Impact on Nursing Practice:
• Facilitates remote patient monitoring and follow-up, allowing nurses to manage
larger patient cohorts efficiently.
• Requires nurses to develop competencies in telehealth technologies and virtual
communication.
Policy and Innovation Context:
• Aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, emphasizing digital transformation in
healthcare.
2. National Platform for Health Information Exchange Services (NPHIES)
Description:
NPHIES is a unified national platform designed to standardize and facilitate the
exchange of health information across Saudi Arabia's healthcare system.
Key Features:
• Standardized data formats for interoperability.
• Secure data exchange protocols to protect patient information.
• Real-time access to patient health records for authorized providers.
Integration with EHR/Mobile Tools:
• Interfaces with various EHR systems used by healthcare providers.
• Supports mobile applications for healthcare professionals to access patient data
on-the-go.
Advantages:
• Improved coordination of care through accessible and up-to-date patient
information.
• Enhanced decision-making capabilities for healthcare providers.
Disadvantages:
• Implementation challenges related to standardizing data across diverse systems.
• Requires significant training and change management for healthcare staff.
Impact on Nursing Practice:
• Streamlines documentation processes, reducing redundancy and errors.
• Enables nurses to access comprehensive patient histories, improving care
planning.
Policy and Innovation Context:
• Part of national efforts to enhance healthcare quality and efficiency through digital
solutions.
II. Qatar: Hospital Information Systems
1. Oracle Cerner Millennium at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC)
Description:
Oracle Cerner Millennium is a comprehensive Clinical Information System (CIS)
implemented across HMC facilities, including integration with the Qatar Biobank.
Key Features:
• Electronic Health Records (EHR) for comprehensive patient data management.
• Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) to aid in clinical decisions.
• Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE) for efficient order management.
• Integration with laboratory, pharmacy, and radiology systems.
Integration with EHR/Mobile Tools:
• Fully integrated EHR system with capabilities for mobile access, enhancing
real-time data availability for healthcare providers.
Advantages:
• Streamlines nursing documentation and reduces errors.
• Enhances communication among multidisciplinary teams.
• Improves workflow efficiency and patient care quality.
Disadvantages:
• Initial training requirements and adaptation period for staff.
• Potential technical downtimes affecting accessibility.
Impact on Nursing Practice:
• Nurses benefit from faster documentation and real-time data access, improving
clinical decision-making.
• CDSS supports accurate medication administration and early detection of patient
deterioration.
• Reduced duplication of work enhances job satisfaction and time for direct patient
care.
Policy and Innovation Context:
• HMC was one of the first in the region to adopt an ISO-certified Nursing
Informatics Quality System.
• Supported by Qatar’s National eHealth Strategy, which aims for integrated,
patient-centered digital care.
• Emphasis on using data analytics for quality improvement and clinical
benchmarking.
2. Health Cluster’s HIS and EMR Qatar
Description:
Health Cluster offers a cloud-based HIS and EMR system designed for healthcare
facilities in Qatar, focusing on streamlining administrative and clinical processes.
Key Features:
• Patient registration, appointment scheduling, and billing management.
• Electronic Medical Records (EMR) for detailed patient information.
• Integration with laboratory and pharmacy systems.
Integration with EHR/Mobile Tools:
• Offers mobile access for healthcare providers, facilitating real-time data entry and
retrieval.
Advantages:
• Enhances accuracy in patient records and billing.
• Improves coordination between departments.
• Supports efficient resource management.
Disadvantages:
• Requires consistent internet connectivity for optimal performance.
• Dependence on vendor support for system maintenance and updates.
Impact on Nursing Practice:
• Nurses can document and retrieve patient information more efficiently.
• Mobile access allows for bedside care documentation, improving accuracy.
• Facilitates multidisciplinary collaboration, particularly in outpatient and chronic
care settings.
Policy and Innovation Context:
• Aligned with Qatar’s digital health goals to increase HIS adoption across the
healthcare ecosystem
• Promotes data security, patient confidentiality, and cloud infrastructure
• Encouraged by government incentives for private healthcare providers to digitize
services
Reference/s:
Financial Times. (2023, March 5). ‘Virtual hospitals’ deliver home treatment to remote
patients. https://www.ft.com/content/104151c3-f808-4c2d-a20a-b1394846772c
Alyami, H., & Altuwaijri, M. (2022). Digital health in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional
national survey. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 24(10), e39199.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9553846/
Health Cluster. (2023). Understanding Nphies EMR in Saudi Arabia.
https://healthcluster.co/nphies-emr-in-saudi-arabia/
Oracle. (2023, June 20). Integration of Oracle Cerner electronic health record across
Hamad Medical and Qatar Biobank helps accelerate scientific research.
https://www.oracle.com/news/announcement/cerner-integration-hamad-medical-and-
qatar-biobank-helps-accelerate-scientific-research-2023-06-20/
Health Cluster. (n.d.). EMR Qatar – Simplifying healthcare management. Retrieved
May 2, 2025, from https://healthcluster.co/qatar/
Superior Business Solutions. (2021, July 4). How to enhance a patient experience
with a hospital information system?
https://sbs-me.com/how-to-enhance-a-patient-experience-with-a-hospital-information
-system/
