Enhancing Healthcare for People with Disabilities Through Artificial Intelligence: Evidence from Saudi Arabia

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
• Disability Studies

Background:

• AI presents opportunities to improve healthcare accessibility for people with disabilities (PwDs).
• AI adoption in Saudi Arabia's healthcare sector for PwDs is currently limited.
• This research aligns with Saudi Vision 2030's digital health transformation goals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the experiences of PwDs with AI technologies in Saudi Arabia.
• To identify barriers and facilitators to AI adoption in disability healthcare.
• To inform inclusive healthcare innovation strategies within Saudi Arabia's digital health framework.

Main Methods:

• Semi-structured interviews with nine PwDs across three Saudi regions (January-February 2025).
• Inclusion of participants using diverse AI technologies (smart assistants, mHealth apps, communication aids).
• Thematic analysis using Braun and Clarke's six-phase framework.

Main Results:

• Key themes identified: accessibility/usability challenges (voice recognition, interfaces), personalization/autonomy benefits (daily tasks, medication), technological barriers (connectivity, maintenance), and psychological acceptance (family support, culture).
• Participants highlighted infrastructure gaps (rural areas), financial constraints, lack of disability-specific design, and digital literacy issues.
• Optimism was expressed regarding AI's potential to enhance PwD independence and health outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Successful AI implementation for PwDs in Saudi Arabia requires culturally adapted designs and investment in rural infrastructure.
• Inclusive policymaking and targeted digital literacy programs are essential for equitable AI healthcare access.
• Findings support Saudi Vision 2030 objectives and offer recommendations for AI in disability healthcare in similar contexts.