Leadership in Saudi Healthcare: Developing Competencies for Effective Health System Transformation

Abstract

Leadership development is a critical component of healthcare transformation in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the context of the Vision 2030 strategic plan. Effective leadership is essential for driving the changes needed to improve the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of healthcare services, and to address the complex challenges facing the healthcare system. This systematic review aims to synthesize the current evidence on the competencies and strategies for developing effective leadership in the Saudi healthcare sector, and to identify the gaps and opportunities for future research and practice. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using relevant databases, and 60 studies were included in the review. The findings highlight the importance of developing a range of leadership competencies, including transformational leadership, interprofessional collaboration, systems thinking, and innovation. The review also identifies the key strategies for developing these competencies, such as education and training programs, mentoring and coaching, and experiential learning. Enablers and barriers to leadership development in the Saudi context are discussed, including cultural and organizational factors. The review concludes with recommendations for policy, practice, and research to support the development of effective leadership for healthcare transformation in Saudi Arabia.