Improving Patient Outcomes Through Synergies Between Pharmacy and Laboratory Services: A Vision 2030 Perspective

Abstract

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 strategic plan aims to transform and enhance the healthcare system to improve the quality and accessibility of care. Achieving this goal requires optimizing the roles and collaboration of various healthcare professionals, including pharmacy technicians and laboratory technicians. This paper explores the potential for improving patient outcomes through synergies between pharmacy and laboratory services in Saudi Arabia, aligned with Vision 2030 objectives. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Saudi Digital Library databases to identify relevant studies on pharmacy-laboratory collaboration, medication monitoring, and patient care optimization. The findings suggest that integrating pharmacy and laboratory services can enhance medication safety, therapeutic drug monitoring, and disease management. Pharmacy technicians can play a crucial role in facilitating this integration by assisting with medication reconciliation, interpreting laboratory results, and communicating with healthcare teams. Furthermore, implementing collaborative practice models, health information technology, and interprofessional education can foster effective pharmacy-laboratory partnerships. The paper concludes with recommendations for policymakers, healthcare leaders, and educators to promote pharmacy-laboratory synergies, including establishing collaborative protocols, investing in technology infrastructure, and developing competency-based training programs. By leveraging the expertise of pharmacy technicians and laboratory technicians and fostering their collaboration, Saudi Arabia can make significant strides towards improving patient outcomes and realizing the Vision 2030 goal of providing high-quality, patient-centered care.