The impact of artificial intelligence on improving patient follow-up via the virtual health platform Sehhaty from the perspective of virtual clinic physicians at King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital in Taif: A case study

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications on improving medical follow-up via the "Sehaty" virtual platform, from the perspective of virtual clinic physicians at King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital in Taif. It adopted a descriptive quantitative case study methodology, using a questionnaire administered to a sample of four resident physicians. The study focused on measuring the impact of these technologies on the efficiency and quality of follow-up, decision support, and practical adoption challenges. The results revealed a significant gap between technological development and practical reality. Despite a high positive evaluation of the platform's basic communication tools and workflow smoothness, 75% of physicians reported not using or even being unaware of the AI tools within the platform—a contradiction highlighting weak awareness and internal communication. Physicians also identified a lack of data integration (especially historical medical records) as the most significant obstacle to effective follow-up, and half expressed an urgent need for applied training. However, 75% of the sample showed cautious optimism about the future, expecting AI to become a pivotal or complementary element in medical decision-making within three years. The study concludes that the success of digital transformation in healthcare depends not only on the availability of technology but on bridging the adoption gap by improving communication, providing intensive practical training, and accelerating system integration to ensure the quality of data feeding AI algorithms.