A Narrative Review on the Impact of Pharmacy-Led Interventions on Nursing Workload and Efficiency in Hospital Management Systems
Abstract
Background: Within complex hospital management systems, escalating nursing workload is a critical driver of burnout, medical errors, and patient safety risks. The optimization of interprofessional collaboration, particularly between nursing and pharmacy, presents a strategic opportunity to enhance system efficiency and care quality. Pharmacy-led interventions are increasingly recognized as essential components of hospital strategy to alleviate burdensome nursing tasks.
Aim: This narrative review synthesizes contemporary evidence (2010-2024) on the impact of pharmacy-led interventions on nursing workload and efficiency in hospital management systems, analyzing models, outcomes, and implementation factors.
Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted. Peer-reviewed articles, reviews, and quality improvement reports published between 2010 and 2024 were analyzed thematically to evaluate interventions, workload metrics, and efficiency gains.
Results: Evidence confirms that structured pharmacy-led interventions, including decentralized clinical pharmacists, integrated medication reconciliation, pharmacist-driven protocols for high-risk drugs (e.g., anticoagulants), and automated dispensing cabinet (ADC) optimization, significantly reduce direct nursing time on medication-related tasks. Documented outcomes include decreased time spent on medication administration record (MAR) verification, order clarification, and intravenous preparation; reduced interruptions; and improved medication safety metrics. These interventions correlate with measurable improvements in nurse-reported workload, job satisfaction, and time for direct patient care.
Conclusion: Strategic integration of clinical pharmacy services directly enhances nursing efficiency and is a key lever for hospital management to improve workflow, patient safety, and staff retention. Future integration requires addressing role clarity, technological interoperability, and sustainable funding models.
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References
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Authors
Copyright (c) 2024 Manal Mohamme Tahir Aloqbi, Abdulmajeed Falah Ammash Alharbi, Motlq Ayed Rashid Aljabri, Waleed Eid Ayesh Alharbi, Majed Abdul Ali Al Saadi, Mohamed Ali Alharbi, Hani Salem Owaymir Alluqmani, Mohammad Ahmad Mabrok Alradade, Mohammad Mahsan Alharbi, Amal Mohammed A Yagzi, Abdulelah Saud Gaman Almutairi, Abdulaziz Khalif Al-Mutairi
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