Almeneessier Aljohara S, BaHammam Ahmed S
Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
University Sleep Disorders Center, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
J Clin Sleep Med. 2017 Apr 15;13(4):641-645. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.6566.
The practice of sleep medicine in Saudi Arabia began in the mid to late 1990s. Since its establishment, this specialty has grown, and the number of specialists has increased. Based on the available data, sleep disorders are prevalent among the Saudi population, and the demand for sleep medicine services is expected to increase significantly. Currently, two training programs are providing structured training and certification in sleep medicine in this country. Recently, clear guidelines for accrediting sleep medicine specialists and technologists were approved. Nevertheless, numerous obstacles hamper the progress of this specialty, including the lack of trained technicians, specialists, and funding. Increasing the awareness of sleep disorders and their serious consequences among health care workers, health care authorities, and insurance companies is another challenge. Future plans should address the medical educational system at all levels to demonstrate the importance of early detection and the treatment of sleep disorders. This review discusses the current position of and barriers to sleep medicine practice and education in Saudi Arabia.
沙特阿拉伯的睡眠医学实践始于20世纪90年代中后期。自该专业设立以来，一直在发展，专科医生数量也有所增加。根据现有数据，睡眠障碍在沙特人群中普遍存在，预计对睡眠医学服务的需求将大幅增长。目前，该国的两个培训项目正在提供睡眠医学方面的结构化培训和认证。最近，批准了关于睡眠医学专科医生和技术人员认证的明确指南。然而，众多障碍阻碍了该专业的发展，包括缺乏训练有素的技术人员、专科医生和资金。提高医护人员、医疗保健当局和保险公司对睡眠障碍及其严重后果的认识是另一项挑战。未来计划应针对各级医学教育系统，以彰显早期发现和治疗睡眠障碍的重要性。本综述讨论了沙特阿拉伯睡眠医学实践和教育的现状及障碍。
