Impact of Vision 2030 Healthcare Transformation on Respiratory Therapy Practice in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative has catalyzed unprecedented transformation across the healthcare sector, with significant implications for allied health professions including respiratory therapy (RT). Despite the centrality of RT services to critical care and chronic disease management, the impact of Vision 2030 reforms on RT practice remains underexplored.

Objectives: To assess the perceived impact of Vision 2030 healthcare reforms on respiratory therapy practice domains, identify associated barriers and facilitators, and examine predictors of positive professional impact among RT practitioners across Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2024 and January 2025 using a validated self-administered questionnaire distributed electronically to 300 licensed RT practitioners across all major regions of Saudi Arabia. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, one-sample t-tests, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed using SPSS v26.

Results: A total of 300 participants completed the survey (response rate = 85.7%). The majority (82.7%) demonstrated awareness of Vision 2030 healthcare goals. The highest mean impact score was observed in professional development (M = 3.82, SD = 0.71), followed by patient-centered care quality (M = 3.72). Key barriers included shortage of qualified RT practitioners (80.3%), limited continuing education (72.7%), and absence of scope-of-practice legislation (65.3%). Multivariate analysis identified completion of Vision 2030 training programs (OR = 3.12, p < 0.001) and experience >10 years (OR = 2.47, p < 0.001) as the strongest independent predictors of positive perceived impact.

Conclusion: Vision 2030 reforms have generated measurable positive perceptions among RT practitioners in Saudi Arabia, particularly in professional development and clinical care quality. Targeted legislative, educational, and workforce nationalization efforts are essential to maximize the profession's contribution to Saudi Arabia's 2030 healthcare objectives.