Non-medical prescribing: the doctor-nurse relationship revisited

Abstract

This paper reports a study that was commissioned to evaluate non-medical prescribing in one health authority in the south-east of England. A questionnaire was distributed to all nurses and pharmacists who held a non-medical prescribing qualification, and this was followed up by semi-structured interviews with nurses, pharmacists, doctors and managers. The findings confirmed that the majority of respondents were very experienced, and that they were making good use of the qualification. In addition, there were clear signs that patient care was being enhanced, but this was more evident when there was a close working relationship with the doctor. In the absence of this relationship, there is a need for the organization to develop a clear strategy for the implementation of non-medical prescribing, which should incorporate the views of all key stakeholders.

Evidence‐informed implementation of nurse prescribing under supervision: An integrative review

“…Nurse prescribers and non‐medical prescribers perceive that patients benefit from their extended prescribing practice (Armstrong, 2015; Avery et al, 2007b; Casey et al, 2019; Cooper et al, 2008; Elsom et al, 2009) and that patients have confidence in nurse prescribers (Banicek, 2012). The quality of prescribing has been evaluated according to the appropriateness of prescribing decisions made by nurse prescribers compared with other health professions and reported positively in terms of safety and effectiveness in community settings (Hart, 2013) and by district nurses in the UK (Latter et al, 2012).…”

British Association of Critical Care Nurses position statement on prescribing in critical care

“…Consent may be given verbally, written or implied by co‐operation; equally, it can be withdrawn at any time, providing the patient has capacity to do so (NMC, 2006a). All forms of prescribing must be subject to consent, and this is reflected in recent studies, which indicate that nurse prescribers enhance care by providing patients with information, including them in decision‐making and enhancing quality care (Latter et al , 2005; Avery et al , 2007; Bradley and Nolan, 2007; Nolan and Bradley, 2007). The duty to gain consent is protected by the tort of battery.…”

When can acyclovir be prescribed when treating the lips and oral commissures?

“…Herpes simplex virus affects billions of people around the world, and its activation can be triggered by the injection of dermal fillers in and around the lips. Amanda Hewlett looks at whether the aesthetic nurse practioner should be prophylactically prescribing acyclovir to patients with a history of herpes simplex who are considering augmentation in this area Journal of AESTHETIC NURSING ► December 2017/January 2018 ► Volume 6 Issue 10 THE QUESTION ▼ medicines that they require quickly (Avery et al, 2007). Again, this is answering to the NMC (2015) Code-to practise effectively by assessing and delivering advice or treatment (including preventative treatment), without delay, and to the best of the nurse's ability, on the basis of best evidence and best practice (NMC, 2015).…”