Enhancing Departmental Coordination for Emergency Care:Combining Physical Therapy, Radiology, Emergency Medical Services, and Nursing in Saudi Arabian Hospitals

Abstract

Emergency care in Saudi Arabia has witnessed significant developments in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for high-quality and efficient healthcare services. Effective coordination among key departments, including physical therapy, radiology, emergency medical services, and nursing, is crucial for delivering optimal patient care in emergency settings. This systematic review aims to explore the current state of departmental coordination in emergency care in Saudi Arabian hospitals and identify strategies for enhancing collaboration and integration among these essential healthcare disciplines. A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science, was conducted to identify relevant studies published between 2010 and 2023. The search strategy employed a combination of keywords related to emergency care, departmental coordination, physical therapy, radiology, emergency medical services, nursing, and Saudi Arabia. A total of 38 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The findings highlight the importance of effective communication, interprofessional collaboration, and standardized protocols in facilitating coordination among departments involved in emergency care. Key challenges identified include resource limitations, workforce shortages, and fragmented healthcare systems. The review also reveals promising initiatives and best practices for enhancing departmental coordination, such as the implementation of multidisciplinary teams, the use of technology-enabled communication tools, and the development of integrated care pathways. The findings of this review have significant implications for healthcare policymakers, administrators, and professionals in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need for strategic interventions to optimize departmental coordination and improve the quality and efficiency of emergency care services.