Mainstreaming NUDGES in public health behavioural sciences in Saudi Arabia – seven steps to success

Introduction: Nudging by government health and welfare authorities has increased in popularity given the potential to add-value to the current arsenal of behavioural research tools and approaches. A needs assessment was conducted for the Health NUDGE Team, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the intention of mainstreaming and institutionalizing NUDGES within the behavioural sciences in the Gulf State and the region. Needs assessment aims included identifying global progress, impact and lessons learned for continuous improvement. Method: A rapid evidence literature review was implemented, and standardised discussion agenda developed for consultations with sixteen stakeholders from leading global NUDGE Units from 9 country programs. Data was analysed with NVivo 2020 qualitative software. Results: The Benchmarking and SWOT analysis identified a number of challenges and opportunities for NUDGE Units in their infancy to consider. “Seven Steps to Success” are proposed. Discussion: Important considerations are provided for fine-tuning NUDGE organisational, functional and technical capacities, leveraging of activities, and advocacy and promotion of best-practice approaches. The steps can assist in optimising NUDGE performance as the strategy evolves in Saudi Arabia and the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Benchmarking with other providers plays an important part in continuous improvement as well as flexibility to adapt behavioural science processes and approaches to better reflect the needs of country and regional stakeholders.