Benchmarking IMIA recommendations for the health informatics undergraduate program in Saudi Arabia: a mixed methodology.

Abstract

Background: Health informatics is a multidisciplinary field that supports the use and management of health data to enhance the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery. As digital transformation accelerates in healthcare systems, particularly in Saudi Arabia, there is a growing need to ensure that undergraduate education programs in this field meet both national priorities and international standards.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the content of undergraduate health informatics programs in Saudi universities with international curriculum recommendations, and to explore professional stakeholder perceptions on essential educational components.

Methods: A mixed-methods design was used, combining a national cross-sectional survey of healthcare and academic professionals with document analysis of curricula from five universities offering undergraduate degrees in health informatics. The survey assessed perspectives on six educational domains, including technical, clinical, behavioural, managerial, and foundational knowledge areas. The document review evaluated program structures against globally recognized curriculum guidelines.

Results: A total of 127 experts completed the survey. Most respondents strongly supported the inclusion of a structured internship, with six months identified as the optimal duration. While all universities covered core technical and health content, there was substantial variation in how each emphasized different domains. For instance, one university focused heavily on data and computing, while others gave greater attention to health sciences or foundational principles. Differences were also observed between stakeholder expectations and international benchmarks, especially regarding applied skills, behavioural sciences, and leadership training.

Conclusion: Undergraduate health informatics programs in Saudi Arabia show encouraging progress but vary widely in structure and focus. The findings highlight the need for more standardized educational models that integrate practical skills and international best practices while responding to local healthcare needs. This study offers actionable insights for policymakers and educators aiming to improve health informatics education and workforce readiness in a global context.

Clinical trial number: Not applicable.