Enhancing Diagnostic Services in Saudi Arabia: The Synergy of Nursing, Radiology, and Laboratory Professionals in Improving Patient Outcomes

Abstract

Diagnostic services are a critical component of healthcare, driving clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. In Saudi Arabia, the integration of nursing, radiology, and laboratory professionals is essential for enhancing the quality and efficiency of diagnostic services. This systematic review aims to synthesize the evidence on the synergistic roles and contributions of these professionals in improving patient outcomes in Saudi healthcare facilities. A comprehensive search of multiple databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published between 2010 and 2024. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using standardized tools. The findings highlight the importance of interprofessional collaboration, communication, and coordination among nursing, radiology, and laboratory staff in delivering accurate and timely diagnostic services. The review also identifies the key enablers and barriers to effective diagnostic services in the Saudi healthcare context, such as workforce competencies, technology adoption, organizational support, and cultural considerations. The study provides recommendations for policy, practice, and research to optimize the synergy of nursing, radiology, and laboratory professionals and support the ongoing healthcare transformation in Saudi Arabia. The findings emphasize the need for interprofessional education, evidence-based guidelines, and quality improvement initiatives to enhance diagnostic accuracy, patient safety, and care coordination in Saudi healthcare facilities.