Digital Surveillance of Mental Health Care Services in Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Study of National e-Referral System Data.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mental illness affects an estimated 25% of the global population, with treatment gaps persisting worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these challenges, leading to a significant increase in mental health issues globally. In Saudi Arabia, the lifetime prevalence of mental disorders is estimated at 34.2%, yet 86.1% of those with a 12-month mental disorder report no service use. To address these challenges, digital health solutions, particularly electronic referral (e-referral) systems, have emerged as powerful tools to improve care coordination and access. Saudi Arabia has pioneered the nationwide Saudi Medical Appointments and Referrals Centre (SMARC), a centralized e-referral system using artificial intelligence and predictive analytics.

objectives

This

SUBMITTER: Alharbi AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11785370 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature