THE ROLE OF ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE IN ENHANCING COLLABORATION WITH PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL LABORATORY IN THE SAUDI HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

Abstract

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is undergoing a profound transformation of its healthcare sector, driven by the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and its Health Sector Transformation Program (HSTP). This national imperative demands innovative solutions to enhance healthcare quality, efficiency, and accessibility. A critical challenge to achieving these goals is the optimization of interprofessional collaboration (IPC), particularly between nurses and physicians, which is often hampered by structural and cultural factors, notably a high degree of power distance. This manuscript argues that the formal recognition and strategic integration of Advanced Nursing Practice (ANP) roles are essential to bridging this collaborative gap. Drawing on established IPC models and Power Distance Theory, we propose a conceptual framework—the ANP-IPC Integration Model for Saudi Arabia—that positions the ANP as a catalyst for partnership, shared decision-making, and mutual respect. The ANP's advanced clinical knowledge and leadership competencies enable them to mediate the traditional hierarchy, fostering a culture of true interdependency. We analyze the current, often informal, status of ANP in the KSA and conclude with four evidence-based policy recommendations focusing on regulatory clarity, educational standardization, cultural intervention, and structural support. Formalizing ANP is not merely a professional advancement for nursing but a strategic necessity for the KSA to realize the full potential of its healthcare transformation under Vision 2030.