Non-medical prescriber audit: evidence of CPD

Abstract

Primary care trusts (PCTs), other staff employers and individuals have a duty to ensure that the non-medical prescriber (NMP) remains both competent and up to date. This audit was therefore created to support the NMP by raising personal awareness of individual prescribing patterns in relation to the Sheffield prescribing formulary and levels of evidence-based practice when prescribing outside the PCT, by contributing to its local clinical governance initiative, and finally the strategic health authority by providing a mechanism to assist in the implementation of its regional non-medical prescribing strategy. A simple self-reporting questionnaire (with guidance to aid completion) was developed to facilitate safe, effective and appropriate prescribing; the audit has defined objectives, criteria and standards. Results reveal an insight into the top 10 items prescribed and their associated conditions, the depth of evidence-based knowledge when prescribing non-formulary items and levels of compliance achieved by the PCT.