Iranian nurses\u2019 attitudes towards the necessity and barriers to developing nurse prescribing roles

Azam Naderi,Bahare Andayeshgar,Rostam Jalali,Alireza Khatony,Maryam Janatolmakan

doi:10.1186/s12912-021-00700-5

Azam Naderi, Bahare Andayeshgar + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00700-5

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Abstract

BackgroundPrescribing medication by nurses as an approach to rational drug prescription has been proposed in many countries. Nursing prescribing is an effective measure in the management of critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU). This study investigated the attitude of ICU nurses towards the necessity and the barriers to developing nursing prescribing.Materials and methodsIn this cross-sectional study, 136 ICU nurses were included by stratified random sampling. The data collection tool was the researcher-made questionnaire. Cronbach’s alpha method was used to evaluate the reliability of the instrument. The validity of the instrument was also verified by the content validity method. To collect the data, the researcher referred to the nurses’ workplace and provided them with a questionnaire and collected it after completion.The collected data were analyzed by IBM SPSS 16 using descriptive and inferential statistics.ResultsIt was revealed that 58.8 % of nurses were familiar with the term ‘nursing prescribing’; a majority (92.1 %) of whom considered it vital to develop this role in the ICU. Moreover, 86 % (n = 98) of the nurses assumed that it is possible to implement this role in ICU. The most potential barriers to its implementation were lack of legitimacy, disapproval of physicians, and the reluctance of nursing managers.ConclusionsMost nurses maintained a positive attitude towards nursing prescribing; hence, its legitimacy seems vital in ICUs. For the development of the ‘nurse prescribing’ role, the Nursing System Organization may be helpful.

Highlights

Non-physician prescribed medications and non-medical prescribing (NMP) are among the solutions in developed countries to meet the increased need for health care [1]
It was revealed that 58.8 % of nurses were familiar with the term ‘nursing prescribing’; a majority (92.1 %) of whom considered it vital to develop this role in the intensive care units (ICU)
Most nurses maintained a positive attitude towards nursing prescribing; its legitimacy seems vital in ICUs

Summary

Introduction

Non-physician prescribed medications and non-medical prescribing (NMP) are among the solutions in developed countries to meet the increased need for health care [1]. Various reports indicated that the initial objection of the physicians has decreased, as it contributes to the improved access of the patients to medication, patient safety, and patientcentered care [12]. A qualitative study with physician participants revealed that nurse prescribing was beneficial for patients and health professionals, reduced physicians’ workload, and improved patient comfort; they approved it [13]. Jiao et al (2018) performed crosssectional studies in theUS during 2006 and 2012 They compared the viewpoints of physicians and nurses to investigate the quality of medication prescribed by physicians and nurses. Their study indicated no significant difference in the quality of care between physicians and nurses. This study investigated the attitude of ICU nurses towards the necessity and the barriers to developing nursing prescribing

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Discussion

Conclusion