A survey of nurses prescribing in diabetes care: Practices, barriers and facilitators in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Abstract

To compare diabetes-related prescribing practices, barriers and facilitators amongst nurse prescribers in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Nurses have been prescribing in the United Kingdom for many years but nurse prescribing in New Zealand is relatively recent. It is unknown whether similar system factors act to facilitate or limit prescribing. A survey of 250 nurses prescribing in diabetes care in New Zealand (n=111) and the United Kingdom (n=139). A SurveyMonkey questionnaire was used to survey nurses about the extent of their prescribing practices, and barriers and facilitators experienced. Quantitative data were explored descriptively, and qualitative responses were grouped according to content, with quotes provided to exemplify thematic content. This study is reported following STROBE guidelines. Insulin, metformin and sulphonylureas are the drugs most frequently prescribed in both countries. Considerably more New Zealand than United Kingdom nurses reported prescribing for cardiovascular and renal disease. In both countries, direct prescribing to the patient was most common, followed by remote prescribing in New Zealand and via recommendation to other prescribers in the United Kingdom. Most common barriers were lack of time and inadequate mentoring. Most common facilitators were as follows: good supervision; collegial relationships with specialists, pharmacists and peers; and ongoing education. These New Zealand and United Kingdom nurses are prescribing a broad range of diabetes-related medications. Similar barriers and facilitators were identified in both countries. Adequate supervision, support from multidisciplinary team colleagues and prescribing education and guidelines are paramount. Important insights on barriers and facilitators to implementation of nurse prescribing in two countries are highlighted and, despite a considerable difference in the longevity of prescribing practice, similar issues were identified.