QUALITY IMPROVEMENT STRATEGIES IN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS IN SAUDI ARABIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF CURRENT PRACTICES AND EVIDENCE

Emergency Departments (EDs) play a pivotal role in providing urgent care and managing critical patient loads within hospitals. In Saudi Arabia, the increasing demand for emergency services has highlighted systemic challenges such as overcrowding, prolonged waiting times, and variability in care quality. This systematic review aims to examine and synthesize current quality improvement (QI) strategies implemented in EDs across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), exploring their effectiveness, barriers, and areas for development. We conducted a comprehensive literature search of databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2010 and 2025. Inclusion criteria comprised peer-reviewed studies focusing on QI interventions within Saudi EDs. Of the 1,143 records identified, 27 met the inclusion criteria. Major QI strategies observed included Lean methodology, Six Sigma, clinical pathway standardization, staff training programs, and digital innovations such as electronic triage systems. While most interventions showed positive outcomes in reducing wait times and improving patient satisfaction, sustainability and scalability remain challenges. This review provides valuable insight for healthcare policymakers and administrators in Saudi Arabia to strengthen ED performance and patient outcomes through evidence-based QI strategies.