National survey of nurse prescribing in mental health services; a follow ‐up 6 years on

This study demonstrates that growth in numbers of nurse prescribers can take place over an extended time period. The study demonstrates that the exact model of nurse prescribing will influence its applicability in different types of service. What are the implications for practice? Nurse prescribing is becoming increasingly common in mental health services, changing roles for nurses and the experience of services for service users. However, there is great variation between organisations in this regard. Research is needed regarding the outcomes and any risks of independent nurse prescribing specifically in mental health compared to medical prescribing. AbstractIntroductionThis paper reports the latest in a series of national surveys of nurse prescribing in mental health organizations in England.AimTo describe and understand changes and trends in the use of nurse prescribing nationally.MethodsPostal survey to all 53 National Health Service Mental Health Trusts (publicly funded provider organizations); 75% responded (n = 40).ResultsNumbers of nurse prescribers (NPs) have grown significantly in the last 6 years, although remain a small percentage of the total Mental Health Nursing workforce. Most NPs are in community services, particularly community mental health teams and drug/alcohol services. Independent prescribing has now become the most common form of NP, replacing supplementary prescribing.DiscussionOverall growth in numbers of NPs has continued, but remains marked by ...
Source: Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing - Category: Nursing Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research