Chapter 2 - High-level strategy for implementing artificial intelligence at the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties

Abstract

The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) mandate covers three core functions: (1) accrediting health-care professionals in all specialties, (2) govern and supervise the graduate training in various professional health disciplines, and (3) oversee close to 50 scientific health societies. Other SCFHS functions include participation in training where it not only governs but directly funds and delivers different educational and training activities for health-care professionals. The SCFHS’ complex business model is guided by a robust strategy and strategy management practices. The recent success in SCFHS’ strategy resulted in heightened expectations and expansion in its portfolio to include a new mandate for leading the national health-care workforce planning initiative and establishing the Saudi health workforce planning center under its auspices. Currently, the SCFHS’ leadership is in the final stages of updating its strategy, aligned with the national vision 2030. The SCFHS addresses a broad base of stakeholders, including all health-care professionals, practicing, recent graduates, and those returning to practical health-care practitioners interested in pursuing graduate training, health-care organizations, and other health regulatory bodies. In this chapter, we provide a high-level strategy for implementing artificial intelligence at the SCFHS. This chapter can set the basis for a high level discussion for the priorities on an integrated AI plan for the Digital Transformation of Healthcare in Saudi Arabia.