AI-Powered Transformation of Healthcare: Enhancing Patient Safety Through AI Interventions with the Mediating Role of Operational Efficiency and Moderating Role of Digital Competence-Insights from the Gulf Cooperation Council Region.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of the adoption of artificial intelligence technology in improving patient safety in hospitals working in gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, with a focus on the mediating role of operational efficiency and moderating effect of digital competence. Methods: Applying a quantitative, cross-sectional, and explanatory research design, data were gathered from 300 healthcare professionals across five hospitals in the GCC region. Results: The results show that AI interventions improve patient safety by improving operational efficiency, while the digital competence of healthcare professionals further enhances the effectiveness of AI interventions. The findings exhibit that AI interventions enhance patient safety through high diagnostic accuracy at 95.2%, combined with 1.8% low medication errors and 92.4% efficient timely interventions. Based on previous research, the proposed approach achieves 5.7% better diagnostic accuracy and 1.4% fewer medication errors, together with 4.9% enhanced timely interventions. Conclusions and Implications: These findings highlight the importance of adopting AI technologies and enhancing digital competence among healthcare professionals to optimize operational efficiency and ensure safer healthcare delivery. This study offers actionable insights for healthcare managers and policymakers, emphasizing the need for AI-driven training programs and infrastructure investments.