KFSHRC pioneers youth palliative care in the Arab World

SAUDI ARABIA— King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Saudi Arabia has launched the first dedicated Adolescent and Young Adult Palliative Care Program in the Arab world.

This pioneering initiative is designed to provide comprehensive, integrated care to young patients aged 14 to 40 who are living with serious illnesses.

Historically, this age group has faced a significant gap in specialized palliative care, as existing services primarily focus on either pediatric or elderly populations.

The need for such a program is underscored by the fact that adolescents and young adults often lack access to care tailored to their unique needs.

This includes medical, psychological, and social support that addresses the challenges specific to their age group, such as maintaining education or employment, navigating the psychological impact of illness, and ensuring that care plans respect their autonomy and personal dignity.

Globally, the World Health Organization notes that only 14% of patients who require palliative care actually receive it, highlighting a substantial gap in services.

Research emphasizes that incorporating palliative care into treatment plans for young patients with critical illnesses can significantly reduce symptom burden and improve overall quality of life.

This is particularly crucial for cancer patients, who often lack sufficient pain management, psychological support, and guidance throughout their experience.

Palliative care offers a holistic approach focused on enhancing the quality of life for patients facing life-limiting illnesses, such as advanced cancers, heart disease, neurological disorders, and organ failure.

It extends beyond pain relief to include psychological and social support, facilitating informed decision-making and improving patients’ overall experience.

A multidisciplinary team delivers KFSHRC’s palliative care program, comprising physicians, specially trained nurses, social workers, and mental health experts.

This team ensures that the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of both patients and their families are addressed.

The program aligns with international best practices and is supported by KFSHRC’s Advanced Palliative Care Fellowship Program, which has achieved triple accreditation from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, the European Society for Medical Oncology, and the International Association for Hospice & Palliative Care.

This accreditation ensures the highest level of clinical competency, equipping healthcare professionals to provide evidence-based, culturally sensitive palliative care.

Moreover, this program not only aims to improve immediate patient care but also seeks to serve as a regional model. It encourages the development of similar programs across the Arab world to close the critical gap in palliative services for young patients with life-threatening illnesses.

By setting this precedent, KFSHRC hopes to inspire broader change and improve access to specialized care for adolescents and young adults throughout the region.

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