A Systematic Review of Healthcare Professionals’ Readiness, Perceptions, and Barriers Toward Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming healthcare systems worldwide, including Saudi Arabia’s digitally evolving health sector. Understanding healthcare professionals’ readiness, perceptions, and barriers toward adoption of AI is essential for successful implementation. The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic literature review on the readiness of and views and barriers to the adoption of AI among healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A systematic search for peer-reviewed articles published from 2023 to 2026 using the PubMed database. Articles were screened following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and data were extracted to capture study details, patient populations, key results and limitations. Study quality was assessed by relevant JBI critical appraisal tools. Because of significant heterogeneity among the reviewed studies, a narrative summary was used to synthesize the findings.

Results: 22 studies published between 2023 and 2026 were included. Healthcare professionals demonstrated positive perceptions of AI and recognized its potential to improve diagnostic accuracy, workflow efficiency, and patient outcomes. However, practical readiness was moderate, with limited hands‑on experience and low formal training across most professions. Common barriers included lack of training, insufficient infrastructure, data quality concerns, unclear legal liability, privacy issues, and fear of job displacement. Facilitators included structured training programs, leadership support, interdisciplinary collaboration, and national policy development. Younger clinicians and those with higher digital literacy consistently showed greater readiness and acceptance.

Conclusion: Although the healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia hold a generally optimistic attitude toward AI applications in health care, the considerable obstacles they are faced by limit their preparedness and ability to embrace technology effectively. Bridging training gaps, cultivating robust institutional support, and defining concrete legal and ethical parameters are crucial prerequisites to advance the uptake of AI to realize the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030.