The International Journal of Medical Discoveries (IJMD) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to advancing the understanding, innovation, and application of medical science. Our mission is to serve as a platform for the dissemination of cutting-edge research and discoveries that shape the future of healthcare and important medical discoveries worldwide.
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Background: Hospital-acquired infections presents a persistent challenge in healthcare systems worldwide thereby contributing to increased morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. Though recent advances in health informatics are encouraging nevertheless, integration between the health informatics and hospital management has been rarely explored especially in the context of Saudi Arabia. Objective: The study aimed at measuring healthcare workers’ perceptions regarding the integration of health informatics systems within hospital management specifically for HAI control. Methods: Cross-sectional quantitative survey was undertaken comprising 350 healthcare professionals across Saudi Arabian hospitals through stratified random sampling. A validated questionnaire comprising 45 items across three scales (Health Informatics Scale, Management Strategies Scale and Integration Effectiveness Scale) was administered via Google Forms. Analysis was performed using Python in Google Colaboratory where descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis, one-way ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc tests along with Pearson correlations, multiple regression, and path analysis was performed. Results: Chosen scales demonstrated acceptable to good reliability based on Cronbach’s α = 0.65-0.82. Statistical significant differences in integration effectiveness perceptions were found across professional roles (F=21.157, p<0.001), where infection prevention and control specialists measured as highest scores (M=3.89). Both health informatics (r=0.372, p<0.001) and management strategies (r=0.254, p<0.001) has significantly correlation with integration effectiveness. Regression analysis suggested that both predictors explained 20.4% of variance in integration effectiveness (R²= 0.204, F = 44.33, p<0.001). Conclusion: The findings confirm hypothesized relationships between health informatics, management strategies and integration effectiveness. Healthcare institutions need to prioritize collaborative approaches that bridge technological and administrative domains in order to enhance HAI prevention efforts.
Health Informatics, Hospital Management, Hospital-Acquired Infections, Integration, Saudi Arabia, Quantitative Research.