Enhancing end-of-life care for advanced heart failure patients in Saudi Arabian emergency departments (EDs): Perspectives of ED staff on challenges

BACKGROUND: Providing care for patients nearing the end of life who have advanced heart failure presents significant challenges, especially in emergency settings where the primary focus is on life-saving interventions. Exploring the perceptions of emergency department staff is essential for identifying barriers and improving care delivery in this critical context. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted in two hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Semi-structured interviews were completed with thirty emergency staff. A thematic analysis was used to identify the challenges in delivering care for patients nearing the end of life. RESULTS: Seven themes were identified: current practices for advanced heart failure patients, communication barriers, inadequate training in end-of-life care, limitations in emergency department design, heavy workloads, the influence of cultural and religious factors, and the importance of psychological and emotional support for patients and families. The findings highlight the need for structured training, cultural sensitivity, and improved environments to address these challenges. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes the complexities of providing care for patients nearing the end of life in emergency settings. Addressing gaps in communication, training, and cultural competence is critical. Tailored strategies for Saudi Arabia's unique context are essential to enhance care for advanced heart failure patients.