Family Practice Advance Access published online on October 26, 2009
Family Practice, doi:10.1093/fampra/cmp070
Pharmacists and nurses as independent prescribers: exploring the patient's perspective
Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Claverton Down, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
Correspondence to Rachel J Hobson, NHS Wiltshire, Trust Headquarters, Southgate House, Pans Lane, Devizes, Wiltshire SN10 5EQ, UK; E-mail: rachel.hobson{at}wiltshire.nhs.uk
Received 23 December 2008; Revised 23 August 2009; Accepted 10 September 2009.
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Abstract |
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Background. Little is known about patients’ opinions upon the development of non-medical prescribing (NMP).
Objective. To explore the opinions of patients on the development of NMP.
Methods. In-depth interviews using qualitative methodology (Interpretative Phenomological Analysis). Eighteen interviews were undertaken in Bristol (Sites 1 and 3), Swindon (Site 2) and Brighton (Site 4). [Site 1 = primary care, GP prescriber (n = 5), Site 2 = secondary care, consultant prescriber (n = 5), Site 3 = primary care (n = 5) and Site 4 = secondary care (n = 3) (both pharmacist supplementary prescribers.] Participants (n = 18) were randomly sampled from patients under the care of the participating prescriber. Participants were aged between 42 and 81 years of age (n = 11 male and n = 7 female). Interviews took place between January and August 2006.
Results. Participants expressed concerns about clinical governance, privacy and whether sufficient space were available to provide the service in community pharmacies. Participants acknowledged the expert drug knowledge of pharmacists and their accessibility. These factors enhanced acceptability of this role for pharmacists. Nurses were highly regarded, accepted and preferred as prescribers with few concerns.
Conclusions. The results indicate support for pharmacists and nurses as prescribers, which aid successful implementation. Further research may be needed to evaluate the level of understanding that the public has of NMP and their views of the service once NMP is more widely established. Stakeholders should be mindful that the public may be hesitant regarding the professionalism, quality and clinical governance standards of clinics in community pharmacies in particular.
Keywords. Nurses, patients, pharmacists, prescriptions, qualitative research.
Hobson RJ, Scott J and Sutton J. Pharmacists and nurses as independent prescribers: exploring the patient's perspective. Family Practice 2009; Pages 1–11 of 11.