Palliative care physicians workforce in Saudi Arabia: demographics, distributions, and future challenges

Abstract

Background: Palliative care is an essential component of healthcare systems, particularly in the context of aging populations and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. Despite recent initiatives in Saudi Arabia, palliative care services face significant challenges in meeting the growing demands. This study aimed to investigate the current demographic characteristics, distribution, and challenges faced by the palliative care physicians workforce in Saudi Arabia, and to offer recommendations for policy and practice to enhance palliative care services. Methods: A descriptive geolocation study was conducted in the year 2024 using data from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties and the Saudi Census 2022. The number, distribution, and characteristics of palliative care physicians across 13 cities and 26 hospitals in Saudi Arabia were analyzed. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to contextualize these findings. The location of this study is Saudi Arabia. Results: This study identified 110 palliative care physicians in Saudi Arabia, with 84.5% of them being Saudi nationals. The physician-to-population ratio was 1:292,500 with significant regional disparities. Only 9% of Ministry of Health hospitals have palliative care services. Key challenges include workforce shortages, the uneven distribution of services, and limited integration into primary care. Conclusions: The palliative care physicians workforce in Saudi Arabia faces significant challenges including shortages and uneven distribution. Recommendations include expanding medical education and training programs, improving service distribution in underserved regions, and integrating palliative care into primary health care. These findings provide a foundation for future research and policymaking aimed at enhancing palliative care services in Saudi Arabia.