9.6.1 Nurse Independent Prescribing and Nurse Supplementary Prescribing Practice: Findings from a National Questionnaire Survey (115)

Nicola Carey, Senior Research Fellow, School of Health and Social care, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom Co authors: M Courtenay n.j.carey@reading.ac.uk

Abstract:

Background:

Evidence examining the frequency of prescribing by nurses is conflicting, and it is evident that several factors hamper prescribing practice (Luker & McHugh 2002) . As of May 2006, legislative changes provided appropriately qualified nurses with virtually the same independent prescribing right as doctors. However, there is no evidence available with regards to the prescribing practices of these nurses.

Aim:

To provide an overview of Nurse Independent Prescribing and Nurse Supplementary Prescribing across the UK.

Method:

A random sample of 1992 qualified Nurse Independent/Nurse Supplementary Prescribers registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council were sent a postal questionnaire. One thousand four hundred (70%) questionnaires were returned, of which 1377 were completed.

Results:

Eight hundred and ninety one (65%) respondents worked in primary care, and 333 (24.3%) worked in secondary care. Most respondents were a Grade H (Band 7). Three quarters of the sample had more than 5 years clinical experience in the area in which they prescribed prior to entering the prescribing programme. One thousand one hundred and seven (87%) participants used Nurse Independent Prescribing and 568 (44.6%) used Nurse Supplementary Prescribing. Restriction of local arrangements, implementation of the Clinical Management Plan, and access to doctors hampered or prevented prescribing.

Discussion:

In contrast to low prescribing rates previously reported Larsen (2004), respondents indicated they independently prescribed a mean number of 17.5 items per week. Additionally, compared to Courtenay et al. (2006) it is evident that nurses are increasingly using supplementary prescribing.

Conclusion:

Nurses in the UK working in a variety of roles, across both primary and secondary care, use independent and supplementary prescribing. The adoption of prescribing by nurses has therefore increased patient choice with regards to access to medicines. A number of factors exist which hamper or prevent prescribing that require further exploration.

Biography:

Nicola is a qualified nurse who has worked in a variety of posts across the country in primary care as both a practice nurse and nurse practitioner. More recently she worked as a senior lecturer in community nursing. She has also been involved in teaching on the extended independent and supplementary prescribing programme. Nicolas main interests are in primary care, public health, advanced nursing practice and prescribing. Since joining the University of Reading in January 2005 she has been involved in several projects including:

An exploration of the treatment management of patients with skin related conditions by nurses working in primary care
national evaluation of independent extended and supplementary nurse prescribing in diabetes
An evaluation of the diabetes nurse specialist (and qualified prescriber) role
The educational preparation of paediatric nurse prescribers
Nurse Independent and Nurse Supplementary Prescribing in Acute and Chronic Pain
Development and Academic Lead for Diabetes Nurse Prescriber Network.