UTILIZATION AND INTERPRETATION OF LABORATORY RESULTS IN PHARMACY PRACTICE: PERSPECTIVES OF PHARMACISTS AND LABORATORY TECHNICIANS.
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Keywords
Laboratory results, pharmacy practice, interdisciplinary collaboration, clinical decision-making, healthcare integration
Abstract
Background: The integration of laboratory data into pharmaceutical care has become increasingly critical in modern healthcare delivery. Understanding the perspectives of both pharmacists and laboratory technicians regarding the utilization and interpretation of laboratory results is essential for optimizing patient outcomes and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Objective: To investigate how pharmacists utilize laboratory data in clinical decision-making processes and examine how laboratory technicians support or perceive this integration within the healthcare continuum.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted among 247 pharmacists and 189 laboratory technicians across 15 healthcare institutions. The survey employed a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative Likert-scale responses and qualitative open-ended questions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and thematic analysis.
Results: Pharmacists most frequently utilized complete blood count (CBC) results (89.5%), followed by comprehensive metabolic panels (85.2%) and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) data (78.9%). Electronic health records (EHR) were the primary communication method (76.1%), though 68.3% of respondents reported significant barriers in accessing timely results. Laboratory technicians demonstrated strong awareness of pharmacy needs (mean score: 4.2 ± 0.8 on 5-point scale) but identified communication gaps as a primary concern.
Conclusions: While laboratory-pharmacy integration shows promise, significant barriers exist in communication, access, and interpretation. Structured protocols and enhanced interdisciplinary education could improve patient care outcomes.
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Nuhayl Abdulaziz Alwasel
Pharmaceutical care department, Qassim Armed Forces Hospital (QAFH) — Buraidah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
Abdullah Mohammad Alsikhan
Pharmaceutical care department, Qassim Armed Forces Hospital (QAFH) — Buraidah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
Talal Helan Sabil Alharbi
Laboratory department, Qassim Armed Forces Hospital (QAFH) — Buraidah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
Mohammed Robah Hussin Alharbi
Laboratory department, Qassim Armed Forces Hospital (QAFH) — Buraidah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
Salman Saad Turki Alharbi
Laboratory department, Qassim Armed Forces Hospital (QAFH) — Buraidah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
Ahmed Abdel-Ali Al-Rashidi
Laboratory department, Qassim Armed Forces Hospital (QAFH) — Buraidah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
Ahmad Abdalrahman Raja Alharbi
Laboratory department, Qassim Armed Forces Hospital (QAFH) — Buraidah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
Sarah Ahmad Alfaifi
Laboratory department, Qassim Armed Forces Hospital (QAFH) — Buraidah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
Khaled Fhad Abdullah Alqasir
Laboratory department, Qassim Armed Forces Hospital (QAFH) — Buraidah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia.