The Role of Smart Tracking Systems in Enhancing Patient Safety During Surgical Procedures in Saudi Hospitals

Abstract

Despite global evidence supporting smart tracking systems (STS) for surgical safety, a critical knowledge gap existed regarding their implementation and effectiveness within the distinctive socio-technical context of Saudi Arabian hospitals. This lack of localized evidence risked suboptimal adoption and unrealized patient safety benefits. This study therefore aimed to assess STS adoption, evaluate their impact on safety indicators, and identify critical success factors in Saudi tertiary care. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed across three hospitals. Quantitative data from 412 staff surveys and unit-level error rates were analyzed using chi-square tests, t-tests, and regression. Qualitative themes from 24 interviews and observations explained the quantitative outcomes. A significant association was found between hospital site and adoption (χ²=89.47, p<.001), with the fully implemented site achieving a 91% adoption rate. STS use was the strongest predictor of perceived safety enhancement (β=0.517, p<.001). Most critically, fully implemented units demonstrated a 75% reduction in objective error rates (mean reduction: 5.90 errors per 100 procedures, t(3)=12.25, p<.001). However, surgeons reported significantly lower perceived safety than surgical nurses (mean difference -0.37, p=.002). The findings confirm STS efficacy in reducing errors but reveal that success is contingent on strategic, organization-wide integration and is moderated by professional role. This study provides an evidence-based roadmap for health systems, emphasizing that technological potential is only realized through deliberate attention to workflow and human factors.