Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Telehealth Nursing to Enhance Healthcare Access in Rural and Remote Regions of Saudi Arabia
Salman Wasl Althobaiti
Corresponding Author
Prof. Dr. Faridah Mohd Said
PHD Candidate at Lincoln University College, Malaysia
Email: Salmanw.althobaiti@gmail.com
Abstract
Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system faces significant challenges in delivering equitable care to populations in rural and remote regions, where geographical barriers, healthcare workforce shortages, and infrastructure limitations constrain access to essential health services. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with telehealth nursing presents a transformative opportunity to bridge these gaps and extend quality healthcare to underserved communities. This review examines the current state and future potential of AI-enhanced telehealth nursing in rural Saudi Arabia, synthesizing evidence from 25 peer- reviewed studies published between 2019 and 2025. The findings reveal that AI technologies including machine learning algorithms, natural language processing, and clinical decision support systems can significantly enhance telehealth nursing capabilities in remote patient monitoring, triage, chronic disease management, and patient education. When integrated with telehealth platforms, these technologies enable nurses to provide more accurate assessments, personalized interventions, and continuous care coordination despite geographical distances. However, successful implementation requires addressing challenges related to digital infrastructure, cultural acceptance, regulatory frameworks, workforce training, data privacy, and ethical considerations specific to the Saudi context. This review provides evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, healthcare administrators, and nursing educators to facilitate the responsible integration of AI-powered telehealth nursing in rural Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance of preserving human-centered care while leveraging technology to expand healthcare access and improve population health outcomes.