INTERDISCIPLINARY STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE PATIENT CARE PATHWAYS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE COLLABORATIVE ROLES OF PHARMACISTS, SOCIAL WORKERS, RADIOLOGY TECHNOLOGISTS, AND SPECIALIST NURSES

Abstract Background: Inter-professional collaboration is increasingly promoted to address the complexity of modern health care, yet the specific, combined contributions of pharmacists, social workers, radiology technologists and specialist nurses to patient care pathways remain incompletely synthesized. Methods: This systematic review of reviews followed PRISMA 2020 guidance. We searched major biomedical and social-science databases for systematic reviews, meta-analyses and overviews that evaluated inter-professional or multidisciplinary models including at least one of the four target professions and reported patient, service or process outcomes. Eligible reviews were screened in duplicate, data were extracted using a standardized form, and methodological quality was appraised with established critical appraisal criteria for systematic reviews. Findings were summarized narratively by professional role and care setting. Results: Six publications met the inclusion criteria: five completed systematic reviews and one scoping review protocol. Collectively, they synthesized a large body of primary studies and secondary reviews spanning primary care, inpatient care, radiology services and general practice social work. Pharmacist-involved collaborative models consistently improved clinical indicators such as blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin and lipid control, with signals of enhanced safety, adherence and cost-effectiveness. Specialist and advanced practice nurses contributed to reduced readmissions and mortality and better self-management and quality of life in chronic disease pathways. Social workers embedded in primary care were associated with improved psychosocial support, care coordination and mental health outcomes, although high-quality comparative evidence was limited. Radiology technologist advanced practice roles showed potential to reduce waiting times and maintain diagnostic accuracy and patient satisfaction, but the evidence base was small and methodologically heterogeneous. Across reviews, unclear role boundaries, funding constraints and fragmented information systems emerged as key barriers, while co-location, shared protocols, case conferences and supportive leadership facilitated collaboration. Conclusion: Interdisciplinary strategies that integrate pharmacists, social workers, radiology technologists and specialist nurses can enhance patient care pathways, particularly in chronic disease management and complex psychosocial care. However, evidence remains uneven across professions, and robust evaluations of integrated models involving all four roles are needed to inform policy, workforce planning and education.