Modelling Health Process and System Requirements Engineering for Better E-health Services: Focus on Diabetes in Saudi Arabia
- Publication Type:
- Thesis
- Issue Date:
- 2023
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This research is aimed to identify design and process engineering requirements for the implementation of an efficient and effective e-health-based personalised diabetes management in Saudi Arabia.
The incidences of obesity and diabetes are high and increasing in Saudi Arabia. The steadily increasing cost burden to the government and patients is a major worry for the Ministry of Health. Research has shown that e-health-based personalised diabetes management can reduce the cost burden to both the government and the patients without any reduction in the effectiveness of healthcare. However, there was no work on e-health models for personalised diabetes management in the Saudi context. This research addresses this need and thus justifies this endeavour. A review of the literature showed high potential for such applications.
Thematic analysis was done on the focus group responses. One of the themes identified was directly related to the modelling requirements and provided insights into the variables required for a comprehensive e-health self-care system.
Survey responses from 210 patients near King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, were statistically analysed. Findings revealed a higher likelihood of diabetes among women aged 25-50 with a bachelor's degree or higher. Most patients monitored blood glucose levels and adhered to medical guidance but didn't seek hospital advice. Diet control and exercise were also prescribed, but not followed by a majority. Abnormal conditions were rarely reported. Limited e-health facility availability and patient registration were noted, possibly due to inadequate awareness. Survey results on the effect of interventions on the reduction of blood sugar levels showed the highest reduction for the intervention of medication, followed by diet, and then exercise. The reduction was higher in the case of females and patients who were older than 50 years of age. Regression analysis resulted in significant predictive power only for exercise.
Based on the above results and literature, a list of design requirements for an e-health system for the self-management of Saudi diabetic patients was made. Four design options were also identified. What remains is designing these four options, pilot testing with small samples, and finalisation of the most desirable model from pilot test results with any improvements required. The selected model can be taken for validation. After any further improvements required, the finalised model can be transferred to the Ministry of Health for gradual implementation across the country.
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