Abstract

OPTIMIZING MEDICATION MANAGEMENT IN HOSPITALS: THE CRITICAL ROLE OF CLINICAL LABORATORIES IN REDUCING MEDICATION ERRORS IN NURSING AND PHARMACY

Mohammad Abdullah Almanna, Ali Hassan Alhussain, Waseem Ali Alquwayi, Maryam Alsharif and Ahmed Mohammed Almehainy

ABSTRACT

Background: Medication errors are a critical concern in hospital settings, significantly impacting patient safety, clinical outcomes, and healthcare costs. Nursing and pharmacy workflows often encounter challenges related to complex medication management systems. Clinical laboratories, traditionally focused on diagnostic testing, are increasingly recognized for their potential role in reducing medication errors through enhanced collaboration and integration into hospital processes. Aim: This paper aims to investigate the critical role of clinical laboratories in optimizing medication management and reducing errors in nursing and pharmacy practices. It explores laboratory contributions to medication safety, highlights interdisciplinary collaborations, and proposes strategies for integrating laboratory functions into hospital workflows. Methods: The studysynthesizes evidence from peer-reviewed literature, case studies, and institutional reports to evaluate the impact of clinical laboratories on medication error rates. Data were analyzed to identify key laboratory functions, their interactions with nursing and pharmacy, and the outcomes of laboratory-driven interventions. Results: Clinical laboratories significantly contribute to medication safety by providing timely diagnostic data, identifying patient-specific risk factors, and validating medication orders. Their integration into nursing and pharmacy workflows reduces errors by enhancing communication, improving decision-making, and supporting personalized patient care. Case studies reveal measurable reductions in error rates and improvements in patient outcomes, underscoring the value of interdisciplinary collaboration. Conclusion: Clinical laboratories play a pivotal role in mitigating medication errors in hospitals. Their strategic integration into nursing and pharmacy practices enhances patient safety and operational efficiency. Further research is recommended to refine integration strategies and maximize the impact of laboratory contributions.

Keywords: medication errors, clinical laboratories, nursing, pharmacy, patient safety, interdisciplinary collaboration, healthcare systems.