Chris Pearce and Helen Winter describe a survey that highlights a need for greater support of non-medical prescribers
All employers of non-medical prescribers (NMPs) have a duty to ensure they remain competent and current, and have access to relevant continuing professional development as identified through their staff appraisals. This article describes a survey that was undertaken to evaluate non-medical prescribing in one trust that operates an acute district hospital and community services. Five themes emerged from theresults: prescribing activity, patient safety, effect of non-medical prescribing on care, workforce planning and organisational support. The findings also suggested that most NMPs surveyed were compliant with local and national policy. Non-compliance was addressed through line manager intervention. Support for NMPs must be addressed at organisational level to ensure safety of all stakeholders.
Nursing Management. 20, 10, 22-26. doi: 10.7748/nm2014.02.20.10.22.e1165
Correspondence Peer reviewThis article has been subject to double blind peer review
Conflict of interestNone declared
Received: 23 October 2013
Accepted: 12 December 2013
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