INTERPROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION AMONG PHARMACISTS, PHYSICIANS, AND NURSES: APPLICATIONS IN SAUDI ARABIAN HEALTHCARE

Abstract

Interprofessional collaboration (IPC) represents a cornerstone of contemporary healthcare delivery, particularly in rapidly evolving health systems such as Saudi Arabia's. This article examines the nature, attributes, antecedents, and consequences of collaboration among pharmacists, physicians, and nurses—three professional groups essential to medication management and patient care. Through integration of theoretical literature and empirical evidence, with particular attention to the Saudi Arabian context, this analysis identifies shared goals, mutual respect, role clarity, effective communication, and patient-centered approaches as defining attributes of effective collaboration. Organizational infrastructure, professional identity factors, and individual competencies emerge as critical determinants of successful collaborative practice. In the Saudi Arabian healthcare system, where Vision 2030 has accelerated healthcare transformation initiatives, interprofessional collaboration faces unique cultural, structural, and educational challenges while offering significant opportunities for enhancing care quality and patient outcomes. This comprehensive analysis provides evidence-based recommendations for advancing collaborative practice in Saudi Arabian healthcare settings through targeted organizational interventions, educational reforms, and policy developments aligned with national healthcare priorities.