What is it about?
Digital tools such as electronic health records, artificial intelligence, and telemedicine are rapidly changing healthcare around the world. However, we still know very little about how people working inside the healthcare and research systems in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) feel about these changes. In this study, we surveyed 990 healthcare professionals and researchers from 20 MENA countries to understand their views on digital transformation. We asked about their knowledge and use of digital technologies, the challenges they face, and the ethical concerns that matter to them most. We found that many participants use digital systems, but their organizations often struggle with limited resources, unclear policies, and a lack of training. Most participants believe digital transformation can improve patient care, research quality, and access to health services. However, they are also worried about privacy, cybersecurity, data sharing, and the risk that technology could reduce fairness in healthcare. A striking finding is that those who receive more training in digital health tend to have stronger ethical awareness. They recognize both the benefits and the potential risks of using advanced technologies in real-world care. These results highlight an urgent need to strengthen digital-health education, build trust through strong data-protection rules, and support healthcare workers as active partners—not passive users—in the region’s digital future.
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Why is it important?
This is one of the largest regional assessments linking digital transformation with ethical priorities in MENA healthcare systems. Our findings provide timely evidence for governments, hospitals, and educators who are expanding digital health, artificial intelligence, and remote-care services. By showing the clear connection between training and ethical readiness, this research supports developing more structured education programs and stronger governance frameworks. Ultimately, this helps ensure that technological innovation improves patient outcomes, protects privacy, and promotes fairness—so digital transformation benefits everyone, not only those who already have access or skills.
Perspectives
As the digital revolution accelerates globally, the MENA region is experiencing a unique moment of transformation. Writing this article allowed me to listen directly to the voices of healthcare professionals who are adapting to this change every day. Their optimism inspired me, and their concerns reminded me that technological progress must always be guided by strong ethical values. I hope this work encourages more investment in digital-health training and in policies that protect patients’ rights. Most of all, I hope it helps decision-makers see healthcare workers not as recipients of technology, but as leaders shaping a healthier and more equitable digital future.
Dr. Hisham E. Hasan
Jordan University of Science and Technology
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Perceived clinical and ethical impact of digital transformation in healthcare and research: A survey in the MENA region, PLOS One, December 2025, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0336618.
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