Synergistic Roles in Patient Care: A Critical Review of Pharmacist and Nurse Collaboration

Interprofessional collaboration in healthcare is critical for enhancing patient outcomes, particularly through the synergistic roles of pharmacists and nurses. This critical review examines the complementary functions of these professionals in patient care. The review synthesizes current literature, highlighting how pharmacists' expertise in medication management and nurses' proficiency in patient care coordination collectively improve health outcomes. Key areas of collaboration include medication adherence, error reduction, and chronic disease management. Despite the benefits, challenges such as communication barriers, professional boundaries, and institutional limitations hinder effective collaboration. Best practices are identified, including enhanced communication strategies, interprofessional education, and supportive policies. Recommendations for healthcare institutions, professionals, and policymakers are provided to optimize interprofessional teamwork. This review underscores the importance of fostering a collaborative culture in healthcare settings to ensure comprehensive, patient-centered care.