The impact of nurse prescribing on the clinical setting

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the impact nurse prescribing has on the organisation, patient and health professional, and to identify factors associated with the growth of nurse prescribing.

Methods: Systematic search and narrative review. Data obtained through CINAHL, PubMed, Science direct, Online Computer Library Centre (OCLC), databases/websites, and hand searching. English peer-reviewed quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method articles published from September 2009 through to August 2014 exploring nurse prescribing from the perspective of the organisation, health professional and patient were included. Following a systematic selection process, studies identified were also assessed for quality by applying Cardwell's framework.

Results: From the initial 443 citations 37 studies were included in the review. Most studies were descriptive in nature. Commonalities addressed were stakeholders' views, prescribing in practice, jurisdiction, education and benefits/barriers.

Conclusions: Prescriptive authority for nurses continues to be a positive addition to clinical practice. However, concerns have emerged regarding appropriate support, relationships and jurisdictional issues. A more comprehensive understanding of nurse and midwife prescribing workloads is required to capture the true impact and cost-effectiveness of the initiative.

Keywords: Advanced practice; Independent prescriber; Multidisciplinary team; Non-medical prescribing; Role development.