Systematic Review Of Technological Innovations In Saudi Red Crescent Prehospital Services Impact On Response Time And Patient Outcomes

Abstract

Background:
The Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) has increasingly adopted technological innovations—such as GPS-based dispatch systems, electronic patient care records (ePCR), telemedicine, and mobile applications—to enhance the efficiency and quality of prehospital emergency services. While these interventions align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 health transformation goals, their effectiveness in improving operational performance and patient outcomes remains fragmented across the literature.

Objective:
To systematically review and synthesize empirical evidence on the impact of technological innovations in SRCA’s prehospital services, with a specific focus on response times, clinical documentation, and patient-centered outcomes.

Methods:
Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Saudi Digital Library. Eligible studies (2010–2024) included those conducted in Saudi Arabia, focused on SRCA technologies, and reporting on at least one relevant outcome. A total of 37 studies were included and analyzed qualitatively.

Results:
The majority of studies reported significant improvements in ambulance response times—particularly with the integration of GPS-enabled dispatch and AVL systems. ePCR and mobile tracking apps improved documentation accuracy and handover efficiency. Some evidence supported enhanced patient outcomes such as faster treatment initiation and better pre-arrival communication. However, long-term outcome data and integration with hospital systems were limited.

Conclusion:
Technological innovations have substantially improved operational metrics within SRCA’s prehospital services, especially in reducing response times and improving data quality. To realize their full potential, future efforts should focus on system interoperability, regional standardization, and outcome-based evaluations. These findings provide strategic guidance for digital health policy and EMS transformation within Saudi Arabia’s evolving healthcare landscape.