Attitudes of postoperative patients towards hospital nurse prescribing

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the attitudes of postoperative patients towards nurse prescribing in the hospital setting. Specifically, their level of confidence in a nurse as opposed to a doctor prescribing, effects on likely adherence, and their concerns were examined. New data to expand on the existing knowledge base were sought. Nurse prescribing has changed dramatically since it was first recommended in 1986. To date, most studies have been confined to prescribing by district nurses and health visitors and the views of patients who have experienced prescribing. There is also some evidence available on the views of members of the general public on nurse prescribing. However, there has been no research conducted concerning the attitudes of patients towards nurse prescribing in the hospital setting. The study included 60 postoperative patients who were asked to complete a questionnaire during their stay in the hospital. The findings show that hospital patients view nurse prescribing positively and have a great deal of confidence in nurse prescribing. The majority of participants had no preference about who they would prefer to prescribe their medication and stated that they would be equally happy to take medicine prescribed by a nurse and that by a doctor. However, there were some concerns about the qualification and training of nurse prescribers. Owing to lack of research exploring nurse prescribing from the perspectives of inpatients, it is necessary to undertake further research investigating the attitudes of secondary care patients towards nurse prescribing.