An Analytical Study of AI Adoption in Saudi Pharmacies: Current Status and Future Prospects

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in global healthcare, yet its integration into pharmacy practice in Saudi Arabia remains limited and insufficiently explored. Despite the global momentum toward digital health transformation, little empirical evidence exists regarding the current status, adoption patterns, and readiness of pharmacists to embrace AI within this regional context. This research addressed the critical gap by evaluating the extent of AI adoption in Saudi pharmacies, identifying key influencing factors, and assessing perceived barriers and future outlooks. The study aimed to determine how demographic, institutional, and experiential variables shape AI adoption and to provide a foundation for evidence-based policy and implementation strategies. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, involving 350 licensed pharmacists from hospital, community, and independent pharmacies across multiple regions of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a structured and validated questionnaire comprising measures of AI adoption level, perceived usefulness, ease of use, training availability, barriers to adoption, and future prospects. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, ANOVA, multilevel regression, logistic regression, cluster analysis, path analysis, and survival analysis. Results revealed significant differences in AI adoption across pharmacy types (p < 0.001), with hospital pharmacists showing the highest adoption levels (mean = 3.87 ± 1.12). Training availability (OR = 2.86, p = 0.001) and perceived usefulness (β = 0.35, p < 0.001) were strong predictors of adoption, while perceived barriers negatively influenced uptake (β = –0.50, p < 0.001). Structural equation modeling confirmed the mediating role of perceived usefulness in linking adoption to future outlook. This study provides robust empirical evidence on the determinants of AI adoption in Saudi pharmacies and offers actionable insights for stakeholders aiming to foster digital advancement in pharmaceutical services.