Laboratory-Emergency Department-Nursing Triadic Model: Optimizing Turnaround Times For Critical Laboratory Values In Saudi Arabian Hospitals

Abstract

Critical laboratory value reporting remains a fundamental component of patient safety in emergency departments, yet prolonged turnaround times continue to compromise clinical outcomes and increase mortality risk. This paper proposes a Laboratory-Emergency Department-Nursing Triadic Model designed to optimize the communication and workflow processes surrounding critical laboratory values in Saudi Arabian hospital settings. Through systematic review of existing literature and analysis of current practices, this study identifies key barriers to timely critical value reporting, including communication breakdowns, technological limitations, workflow inefficiencies, and insufficient interprofessional collaboration. The triadic model emphasizes structured interdisciplinary partnerships among laboratory personnel, emergency department physicians, and nursing staff, supported by standardized protocols, technological integration, and continuous quality monitoring. Findings indicate that implementation of coordinated triadic workflows can significantly reduce turnaround times from laboratory result availability to clinical action. The model addresses contextual challenges specific to Saudi Arabian healthcare systems, including organizational culture, staffing patterns, and resource allocation. Recommendations include establishment of dedicated communication pathways, implementation of real-time notification systems, role clarification among team members, and adoption of quality indicators specific to the triadic interaction. This framework offers a practical, evidence-based approach to enhancing patient safety and clinical efficiency in emergency care settings through optimized laboratory-clinical collaboration.