A COMPARISON REVIEW OF THE CLINICAL HEALTHCARE SERVICES PROVIDED TO LIVER DISEASE PATIENTS IN THE GCC

Liver diseases are a critical health concern in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Fatty liver disease and viral hepatitis are the two most common liver-disease-related health problems in the region. Hepatocellular carcinoma development adds to the burden of liver cirrhosis. Given the importance of identifying patients with liver disease, it is essential to examine the GCC's healthcare services. The goal of this study was to compare the clinical care services provided to liver disease patients in GCC member countries. A systematic comparative analysis of GCC studies from 2014 to 2020 on related topics was conducted. Articles relevant to liver disease prevalence rate, incidence, and clinical healthcare services, including mental health support, palliative care, liver surgery and transplantation, management of viral hepatitis B and C, dental care services, HBV and pregnancy, vaccination among HCWs and national screening were included in this study. The study results showed that most of the clinical healthcare services provided to liver disease patients are available in all GCC member countries. The prevalence of communicable diseases has significantly decreased among the GCC countries, indicating that there are successful healthcare systems for tracking and controlling disease spread at the level of the GCC. The same can be said of the management of viral hepatitis in Gulf countries. Despite the similarities of clinical services provided to liver disease patients, the study concluded that there were differences in the availability of liver transplantation programs and the level of palliative care among GCC member countries.