Interprofessional Collaboration between Pharmacists and Health Analysts in Improving Diagnosis Accuracy and Patient Safety

Abstract

Collaboration between pharmacists and medical laboratory technologists is essential for improving diagnostic accuracy, therapeutic effectiveness, and patient safety. Pharmacists manage drug therapy, while laboratory technologists ensure the accuracy of laboratory results that guide clinical decisions. However, collaboration is often suboptimal due to communication barriers and structural challenges. This cross-sectional study assessed interprofessional collaboration and identified factors hindering service integration in three type-B hospitals in Jakarta. A total of 120 respondents (60 pharmacists and 60 laboratory technologists) were selected via purposive sampling. Data were collected using a Likert-scale questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney U tests, Spearman correlation, and multiple linear regression. Respondents reported a very positive perception of collaboration (mean = 4.62), but formal communication, such as meetings and case reviews, was low (mean = 2.14). A moderate positive correlation was observed between perception and personal communication (r = 0.45; p < 0.01). Structural constraints, including physical separation of units and lack of integrated communication systems, contributed to reactive rather than proactive collaboration. The study highlights the need for routine case discussion forums and integrated laboratory–pharmacy information systems to strengthen interprofessional collaboration.