Nurses prescribing ‘safe and effective’

THE ability of nurses to prescribe drugs and medication to patients has helped reduce waiting times for treatment and has been deemed safe, according to a new survey.

An independent review of nurses and midwives has found that prescriptions were written to a high standard.

The University College Dublin (UCD) study opens the way for more nurses and midwives to learn how to prescribe drugs.

Their ability to give out medication had benefited not only patients but health staff also, as UCD author Dr Jonathan Drennan explained: “It has increased their autonomy, increased their levels of job satisfaction, ensured better use of their skills and ultimately has allowed them to provide holistic care to patients.”

The 171-page report states that the new model for nurse prescribing in Ireland is “safe and effective”.

Up to 90% of patients said the system cut their waiting time for treatment.

Following a change in legislation two years ago, 112 nurses and midwives have trained to prescribe drugs. Another 292 will eventually be fully qualified to distribute medicines when another round of training begins this month.

Launching the report yesterday, Health Minister Mary Harney said: “The evaluation has shown that the model for nurse/midwife prescribing is safe and effective and that patients are highly satisfied with the care they receive from nurse and midwife prescribers.”

Prescribers in the main are happy with the new system. However, a number are worried about the legal implications. “A substantial minority of prescribers also expressed concern at the possibility of litigation associated with their role.”

INO general secretary Liam Doran said the role of nurses should continue to be expanded.

“We look forward to further initiatives with regard to ordering diagnostic tests (eg X-rays) so we more fully utilise the competence of the nurse/midwife who is present on a 24/7 basis.”