Telecommunication And Digital Innovations In Saudi Red Crescent Prehospital Care A Systematic Review Of Impact On Response Efficiency And Patient Safety (2019–2025)”
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63278/jicrcr.vi.3354Abstract
Background:
Advancements in telecommunication and digital technologies have transformed emergency medical systems worldwide, including the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA), which is responsible for prehospital emergency care in Saudi Arabia. The implementation of digital dispatch systems, GPS tracking, telemedicine, and mobile health platforms aims to enhance operational efficiency and patient safety. However, the extent of their effectiveness in the Saudi context remains under-examined.
Objective:
This systematic review evaluates the impact of telecommunication and digital innovations on response efficiency and patient safety within SRCA prehospital services between 2019 and 2025.
Methods:
Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, comprehensive searches were conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Google Scholar for English-language studies. Eligible studies included empirical investigations addressing digital or telecommunication interventions in Saudi prehospital care. Quality was appraised using JBI and MMAT tools, and data were synthesized thematically and descriptively.
Results:
Twenty-six studies met inclusion criteria. Most were cross-sectional or retrospective in design and examined GPS-based dispatch systems, electronic patient care records, and tele-triage tools. Across studies, digital interventions reduced average ambulance response times by 15–28 %, improved data accuracy, and decreased handover errors. Patient safety outcomes improved through better documentation, communication reliability, and adherence to triage protocols. Nevertheless, recurring challenges included staff digital-literacy gaps, technical failures, and poor rural connectivity.
Conclusions:
Telecommunication and digital innovations substantially improved operational efficiency and patient safety in SRCA prehospital care. Continued investment in infrastructure, staff training, and system interoperability is essential to sustain these gains. Aligning digital initiatives with Vision 2030 will further strengthen the quality, equity, and timeliness of emergency medical services in Saudi Arabia.
