Invisible but Indispensable: A Qualitative Study of Laboratory Technicians' Roles in Interdisciplinary Patient Care

This qualitative study investigated the interdisciplinary collaboration within a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia from the perspectives of the laboratory technicians. Through semi-structured interviews with 15 technicians, five key themes emerged: invisibility despite indispensability; fragmented communication streams; and hierarchical barriers, alongside a desire for inclusion and commitment towards professional participation while prioritizing patient care. Participants reported having robust professional identity and motivation but encountered systemic barriers that constrained their role in collaborative care. The results emphasize the gaps in defined communication roles, active inclusivity within team practices, interprofessional education frameworks, as well as integrated role facilitation of laboratory professionals within the healthcare teams.