Advancements in Chronic Disease Management: Evaluating the Role of Family Medicine Physicians to Achieving the Goals of Saudi Vision 2030 Through Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: In Saudi Arabia, major health challenges are chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular conditions. Family medicine physicians occupy a unique position in managing these conditions especially if the targets of Saudi Vision 2030 for improvement in healthcare access and quality were tallied. But effective disease management requires attendance at clinical guidelines, coping with limited resources, and implementing telemedicine.
Aim: This systematic review aims to determine family medicine physicians' role in Saudi Arabia in the management of chronic diseases in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals, and to examine challenges and opportunities for quality improvement of care delivery.
Method: Ten primary studies published between 2020 and 2024 were reviewed using a systematic review. Cross-sectional surveys, cohort studies and literature reviews were all included among these studies. Finally, the data was extracted on family physicians' roles, following clinical guidelines, use of technology, and the integration of Saudi Vision 2030's modifications in healthcare. Quality and relevance were assessed in the studies.
Results: The review revealed that family physicians play a central role in the management of chronic disease, providing continuity of care, education and preventive health. Despite these challenges however, teachers don’t consistently adhere to the guidelines due to time constraints, lack of resources or inadequate professional development. However, telemedicine had promised but there were technological barriers to integrating it. The studies also outlined how family medicine practices supported the realization of Saudi Vision 2030 through the alignment with the family physician for every family model, a key goal of Vision 2030 health objectives.
Conclusion: Adequate family medicine physicians are critical to the management of chronic diseases in Saudi Arabia, but they need systemic reforms, increased training and improved telemedicine infrastructure to fully deliver on Saudi Vision 2030 Healthcare goals.