BRIDGING THE GAP: A SURVEY ON INTERPROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION IN DIABETES CARE AMONG PHARMACISTS, NURSES, OPTOMETRISTS, PHLEBOTOMISTS & LABORATORY PROFESSIONALS IN SAUDI ARABIA
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Keywords
Interprofessional collaboration, Diabetes Care, healthcare professionals, Saudi Arabia, pharmacists, nurses, optometrists, phlebotomists, laboratory, healthcare integration.
Abstract
Background: Effective management of diabetes mellitus requires a multidisciplinary approach, yet interprofessional collaboration (IPC) among pharmacists, nurses, optometrists, phlebotomists, and laboratory professionals remains underexplored. This study surveys the current state of IPC in diabetes care, identifies barriers and facilitators, and evaluates the impact on patient outcomes.
Aim: This study aims to survey and assess the current state of IPC among various healthcare professionals—pharmacists, nurses, optometrists, phlebotomists, and lab professionals—involved in diabetes care within Saudi Arabia. Moreover, this research will explore the perceptions, facilitators, and barriers to effective IPC, highlighting its impact on patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey design will be employed, utilizing structured questionnaires distributed to a representative sample of healthcare providers across different healthcare settings in Saudi Arabia. The survey will gather quantitative data on the frequency and quality of interprofessional interactions, shared decision-making, communication channels, and perceived roles and responsibilities. Additionally, a qualitative component, through semi-structured interviews, will delve deeper into the nuanced experiences and perspectives of these professionals regarding collaborative care.
Results: Out of 342 healthcare professionals surveyed, 82% agreed IPC is essential for diabetes care, but only 28% participated in formal interprofessional meetings. Pharmacists and nurses reported higher collaboration scores (mean ~4.1/5) compared to optometrists (3.4), phlebotomists (3.2), and lab professionals (3.0). Key perceived benefits included improved medication adherence (mean score 4.3/5), better glycemic control (4.2/5), and increased patient satisfaction (4.1/5), though 47% felt IPC’s full potential is still unrealized.
Conclusion : The study confirms that while interprofessional collaboration (IPC) is highly valued by healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia, its structured application—especially among optometrists, phlebotomists, and lab staff—remains insufficient. Key barriers such as time constraints, unclear role definitions, and limited interprofessional education hinder full implementation. Addressing these through organizational reforms, integrated health IT systems, and targeted training can significantly improve diabetes care quality and patient outcomes.
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Ayoub Suliman Alaqeel
Optometry department, Qassim Armed Forces Hospital (QAFH) — Buraidah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
Mona MOTLEB ALNAFISAH
Laboratory department, Qassim Armed Forces Hospital (QAFH) — Buraidah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
Amjad Omar Alessa
Laboratory department, Qassim Armed Forces Hospital (QAFH) — Buraidah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
Nouf Mohammad Al Dhowayan
Pharmaceutical care department, Qassim Armed Forces Hospital (QAFH) — Buraidah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
Samar sulaiman alsowayan
Pharmaceutical care department, Qassim Armed Forces Hospital (QAFH) — Buraidah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
Ibtisam Ayidh Alharbi
Nursing department, Qassim Armed Forces Hospital (QAFH) — Buraidah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia.