The Future of Health Care Professions and Employment Processes in the Saudi Health Care Sector: Comprehensive review for shortage and sufficiency in the Healthcare Professions

Abstract

Background: Saudi Vision 2030 aims to develop a sustainable and nimble health care workforce that can satisfy the growing need for quality and accessible care. However, shortages in the workforce, lack of balance in it, and skill gap are major problems in the distribution of skilled workforce particularly in rural areas.
Aim: This paper reviews major factors contributing to the sufficiency and distribution of healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia including workforce planning, retention, technology integration, policy support in line with Vision 2030.
Method: We conducted a systematic review of 10 studies following PRISMA criteria from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases. Studies included were published between the year 2020 and 2024, and they considered healthcare workforce challenges, and Vision 2030 objectives.
Results: Four key themes were identified: workforce distribution imbalances, a need for workers to be specialized trained, how technology can increase efficiency and the effect of policy support on workforce sustainability. The findings indicate that digital health tools increase access and efficiency, but that there are still large holes in the distribution of the workforce and training focus, especially in rural and underserved areas. Achieving Vision 2030's workforce goals depend entirely on policy driven initiatives and retention strategies.
Conclusion: A resilient healthcare system in Saudi Arabia requires addressing of workforce shortages, skill gaps and regional disparities. Achievement of Vision 2030 objectives will, however, require a combination of structured protocols for the workforce, policy reform, and investment in training and technology. Future research should be conducted in regards to workforce sufficiency and how digital health, and mobile healthcare strategies will affect it.