EXPLORING THE ECONOMIC BURDEN OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE FROM SAUDI PERSPECTIVE: A MULTI-STAKEHOLDER FOCUS GROUP STUDY OF POLICYMAKERS AND PAYERS
Author(s)
Gihan H. Elsisi, Sr., BSc, MSc, PhD1, NAda Alagil, Msc2, Ali Faris Altebainawi, pharm D3, Fatimah Alyami, PhD4, Rawan Abdullah Almasuood, MS, PharmD5, Ibtisam H. Alharbi, Sr., Msc6, Nabila Samir Ben Slimane, III, BSc7, Salman Alharthi, Msc8.
1Ass prof, The American University in Cairo, cairo, Egypt, 2Council of Health insurance, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 3Hail Health Cluster, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 4Center of Health Technology Assessment, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 5Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 6MODA, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 7King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, 8Security Forces Hospital Program, General Directorate of Medical Services, Ministry of Interior,, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
1Ass prof, The American University in Cairo, cairo, Egypt, 2Council of Health insurance, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 3Hail Health Cluster, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 4Center of Health Technology Assessment, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 5Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 6MODA, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 7King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, 8Security Forces Hospital Program, General Directorate of Medical Services, Ministry of Interior,, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
OBJECTIVES: Introduction:In kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), chronic kidney disease (CKD) imposes a substantial clinical and economic burden on the healthcare system because of its impact on morbidity, mortality, and healthcare resource utilization. Our main objective is to explore the main priorities in CKD burden in KSA.
METHODS: Methodology: A focus group was convened with seven experts in health economics, outcomes research, and health policy, selected from multiple sectors in KSA to represent diverse perspectives. These sectors included the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Defense Affairs, Hail Health Cluster, Center for Health Technology Assessment, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Security Forces Hospital, and the Arab Health Economics Society. Through a comprehensive discussion, participants identified unmet needs, examined the societal impact of CKD, and developed recommendations to help reduce the disease burden in KSA. The recommendations were refined through consensus in a three-round Delphi panel using a predefined agreement threshold. Participants contributed to their personal and professional capacities; the views expressed do not represent the official positions of their respective organizations.
RESULTS: Results: In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, the core recommendations focused on three priority areas: 1)early screening, 2)timely intervention, and 3)real-world data collection to support earlier diagnosis. Participants also emphasized the need to raise public awareness, define the key components of disease burden, strengthen patient education on disease progression and modifiable risk factors, and promote healthier lifestyles.
CONCLUSIONS: Conclusion:Targeted screening of high-risk populations can facilitate timely intervention, slow CKD progression, and reduce reliance on costly treatments such as dialysis and kidney transplantation. A multidisciplinary CKD care model may improve equitable access to care and underscores the shared responsibility of payers, healthcare providers, patients, and the wider community. Further economic research is warranted to inform cost-effective strategies for healthcare resource allocation and long-term sustainability within the Saudi healthcare system.
METHODS: Methodology: A focus group was convened with seven experts in health economics, outcomes research, and health policy, selected from multiple sectors in KSA to represent diverse perspectives. These sectors included the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Defense Affairs, Hail Health Cluster, Center for Health Technology Assessment, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Security Forces Hospital, and the Arab Health Economics Society. Through a comprehensive discussion, participants identified unmet needs, examined the societal impact of CKD, and developed recommendations to help reduce the disease burden in KSA. The recommendations were refined through consensus in a three-round Delphi panel using a predefined agreement threshold. Participants contributed to their personal and professional capacities; the views expressed do not represent the official positions of their respective organizations.
RESULTS: Results: In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, the core recommendations focused on three priority areas: 1)early screening, 2)timely intervention, and 3)real-world data collection to support earlier diagnosis. Participants also emphasized the need to raise public awareness, define the key components of disease burden, strengthen patient education on disease progression and modifiable risk factors, and promote healthier lifestyles.
CONCLUSIONS: Conclusion:Targeted screening of high-risk populations can facilitate timely intervention, slow CKD progression, and reduce reliance on costly treatments such as dialysis and kidney transplantation. A multidisciplinary CKD care model may improve equitable access to care and underscores the shared responsibility of payers, healthcare providers, patients, and the wider community. Further economic research is warranted to inform cost-effective strategies for healthcare resource allocation and long-term sustainability within the Saudi healthcare system.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2026-11, ISPOR Europe 2026, Vienna, Austria
Value in Health, Volume 29, Issue 12S
Code
HSD122
Topic
Health Policy & Regulatory, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care, Real World Data & Information Systems
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas, Urinary/Kidney Disorders