Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41329721›Full record

ArticlePloS one2025

Perceived clinical and ethical impact of digital transformation in healthcare and research: A survey in the MENA region.

Hisham E Hasan, Karem H Alzoubi, Omar F Khabour, Wael K Al-Delaimy, Kenneth W Goodman

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in PloS one, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Hisham E HasanDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6513-2037
Karem H AlzoubiDepartment of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2808-5099
Omar F KhabourDepartment of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3006-3104
Wael K Al-DelaimyHerbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity, UC San Diego Division of Global Health, San Diego, United States of America.
Kenneth W GoodmanInstitute for Bioethics and Health Policy, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, United States of America.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe shift toward digital medical records and communication represents a transformative change in healthcare practices and research. However, this transition is marked by challenges related to the ethics of digital health adoption in fragile and conflict-affected areas, particularly in areas where healthcare providers lack prior training and preparation.

objectiveTo assess healthcare and research professionals' adoption, attitudes, perceptions, and ethical considerations toward digital transformation in healthcare and research across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

methodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in 20 MENA countries involving 990 health professionals and researchers. Demographic data was collected, as well as questions related to the impact, attitudes, and ethics of digital health transformation. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods to identify patterns and correlations between sociodemographic factors and responses.

resultsThe results indicate that digital health transformation in the MENA region was perceived as limited to moderate across key domains, with relatively positive scores on attitudes and ethical considerations. While foundational technologies, such as electronic health records, show moderate adoption, other advanced tools remain underutilized. The study also revealed a significant lack of formal training in digital health (p < 0.001) despite high digital proficiency among participants (p < 0.001). However, ethical concerns were highlighted as key issues with strong support for enhanced bioethics literacy. These findings align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and emphasize the need to develop inclusive policies, implement robust regulatory frameworks, create targeted educational programs, make infrastructure investments, and foster stakeholder collaboration to promote the ethical use of digital health technologies.

conclusionDigital transformation in healthcare and research is viewed positively across the MENA region, but significant gaps remain in adoption, training, and governance. Addressing these gaps will be essential to ensure safe, equitable, and sustainable digital health implementation.

Indexed as

Delivery of Health CareAdultAfrica, NorthernAttitude of Health PersonnelCross-Sectional StudiesDigital TechnologyElectronic Health RecordsFemaleHealth PersonnelHumansMaleMiddle AgedMiddle EastResearch PersonnelSurveys and Questionnaires

Identifiers

PMID41329721
PMCPMC12671818

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.