Abstract

Introduction: Pharmaceutical care has evolved from a pharmacist-led model to an interprofessional approach involving doctors, pharmacists, and nurses. Effective collaboration is key to patient safety and treatment optimisation, yet it is often hindered by hierarchical systems, unclear roles, and poor communication. A lack of formalised frameworks further limits collaboration.

Aim: This study explores interprofessional collaboration in pharmaceutical care, focusing on the role of nurses, their involvement in collaborative practice, and the competencies essential for effective teamwork as identified by international experts.

Methods: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with five international experts, selected through purposive sampling. Data were thematically analysed using Atlas.ti. Rigour was ensured through triangulation, multiple coding, and participant feedback. The COREQ checklist guided reporting.

Results: Five themes emerged: (1) Interprofessional collaboration, (2) Roles and responsibilities, (3) Barriers to collaboration, (4) Education and competencies, and (5) Organizational support.

Discussion: Despite the recognized value of collaboration, systemic and educational obstacles persist. Structural backing, clarified roles, and integrated training are essential for improving teamwork.

Conclusion: Interprofessional collaboration is vital to enhancing pharmaceutical care. Addressing educational gaps, formalising procedures, and using digital tools can strengthen care delivery and patient outcomes. Nurses play a key role in pharmaceutical care through treatment monitoring and identifying medication-related problems. Expanding their roles within teams can improve safety. Policymakers should prioritize role clarity, interprofessional education, and digital support systems.

Notes

Open Access Details:

This is an open access article originally published under the terms of a Creative Commons License, which permits the Sigma Repository to post a copy in its collections. The license is attached to this item record; please click on the license for further details.

Original Article Citation:

Petrović, M., & Prosen, M. (2025). The role of nurses in interprofessional pharmaceutical care: a qualitative descriptive study of international expert perspectives. KONTAKT - Journal of Nursing & Social Sciences Related to Health & Illness, 27(3), 205–213. https://doi-org.proxy.ulib.uits.iu.edu/10.32725/kont.2025.042

No changes have been made to this article.

Author Details

Marko Petrovic, RN - Emergency Medical Services. Eleven years experience, primarily in critical care nursing.

Sigma Membership

Alpha Alpha Gamma

Type

Article

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Descriptive/Correlational

Research Approach

Qualitative Research

Keywords:

Healthcare Teamwork, Interprofessional Collaboration, Nursing Role, Pharmaceutical Care, Policy Development, Interprofessional Relations, Pharmacy Service, Collaboration, Physician Attitudes, Physician Attitudes--Evaluation, Pharmacist Attitudes, Pharmacist Attitudes--Evaluation, Nurse Attitudes, Nurse Attitudes--Evaluation, Clinical Competence

Publisher

University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice

Version

Publisher's Version

Rights Holder

All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.

Review Type

External Review: Previously Published Material

Acquisition

Self-submission

Date of Issue

2026-09-14

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