Continuity Of Care Across The Life Course: The Role Of Healthcare Professionals In Advancing General Health In Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Healthcare provision goes beyond episodic treatment and depends on continuous expert engagement throughout an individual's lifespan. In Saudi Arabia, where 70% of patients experience gaps in continuity of care according to recent data, general health outcomes are determined by the constant efforts of varied medical professionals, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory specialists, radiology technologists, nutritionists, rehabilitation therapists, and public health practitioners. Each discipline offers distinct services at different stages of care, from prevention and early detection to chronic disease management and rehabilitation. This article studies how continuity of care, professional accountability, and patient-focused practice influence general health in Saudi Arabia. Emphasis is placed on authentic clinical environments, workforce preparation, and the growing demand for coordinated long-term care. By examining healthcare provision through a life-course perspective, the paper illustrates how professional roles evolve across childhood, adulthood, and aging, giving insights into strengthening everyday healthcare practice in the Saudi context.