Qualitative Expert Interviews with Nurses and Pharmacists on Overcoming Obstacles in Nurse-Pharmacist Collaborations on Wards

Abstract

Interprofessional collaboration between nurses and pharmacists is crucial for enhancing patient safety and optimizing medication management in hospital settings. However, effective collaboration is often hindered by various barriers, including role perception, organizational challenges, and limited pharmacist presence on wards. This qualitative study aimed to explore the barriers to nurse-pharmacist collaboration, identify strategies to overcome these obstacles, and examine the potential for optimizing interprofessional practices. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 pairs of nurses and pharmacists from diverse hospital settings, and the data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Key barriers identified included the perception of pharmacists as "controllers," difficulties integrating pharmacists into established workflows, and limited pharmacist presence on wards. Proposed solutions included better communication of pharmacists' added value, gradual integration into ward routines, and increased visibility through regular interactions. Both nurses and pharmacists acknowledged the mutual benefits of collaboration, particularly in improving medication safety and reducing workload. This study underscores the importance of defining clear roles for pharmacists, enhancing communication, and fostering institutional support to strengthen nurse-pharmacist collaboration, ultimately improving patient care outcomes.