Abstract

Introduction: Hospice care plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for terminally ill patients by providing pain management, psychological support, and holistic care. In Saudi Arabia, the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses has emphasized the need for structured hospice services. Despite governmental efforts to integrate palliative care into the healthcare system, several challenges, such as workforce shortages, funding constraints, and cultural barriers, continue to hinder its development and accessibility.

Methodology: This study utilized a survey-based approach targeting all palliative multidisciplinary team (MDT) leaders across the Ministry of Health (MOH) health clusters in Saudi Arabia. Conducted in December 2024, the survey collected data on hospice service availability, MDT composition, the number of hospice centers and beds, opioid accessibility, caregiver training programs, and grief support services. Additionally, respondents provided insights into hospice care's challenges, strengths, and future improvement areas.

Results: Findings indicate that hospice services in Saudi Arabia face multiple challenges, including a shortage of specialized professionals, insufficient training programs, limited funding, and inadequate public awareness. Cultural beliefs and societal reluctance to discuss end-of-life care contribute to the underutilization of hospice services. The lack of dedicated hospice facilities further strains healthcare resources, forcing patients to receive palliative care in general hospitals with limited specialized support. However, strengths such as the presence of experienced healthcare professionals, supportive policies, and international collaborations provide opportunities for improvement.

Conclusion: To enhance hospice care services in Saudi Arabia, key strategies must include expanding hospice infrastructure, integrating palliative care into primary healthcare, increasing public awareness, and strengthening professional training programs. Sustainable funding models and improved coordination between healthcare sectors will ensure better patient outcomes. By addressing these barriers and leveraging available resources, Saudi Arabia can significantly improve access to quality hospice care.

Keywords

hospice care, palliative care, saudi arabia, end-of-life care, healthcare integration, cultural barriers, funding constraints, workforce shortage