Hospitalization pattern in a hospital-based palliative care program: an example from Saudi Arabia

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• Oncology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Palliative care services in Saudi Arabia are limited and primarily hospital-based.
• Subacute palliative care models are currently underdeveloped in the region.
• Existing models may not adequately address end-of-life care needs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of patients admitted to hospital-based palliative care units.
• To identify limitations of current hospital-based palliative care in Saudi Arabia.
• To inform the development of improved palliative care strategies.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 759 palliative care unit admissions for 629 cancer patients over a 4-year period.
• Analysis of admission sources, length of stay, and place of death.
• Assessment of care patterns within the existing hospital-based framework.

Main Results:

• 66% of admissions originated from the emergency room.
• The average length of hospital stay was 24 days.
• 86% of patients died during their hospital admission.

Conclusions:

• Current hospital-based palliative care models alone are insufficient to enhance end-of-life care quality in Saudi Arabia.
• The high rate of in-hospital deaths suggests a need for alternative care settings.
• Development and implementation of subacute palliative care models are recommended to improve services.