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Survey of patients' experiences and perceptions of care provided by nurse and pharmacist independent prescribers in primary care.

Survey of patients' experiences and perceptions of care provided by nurse and pharmacist independent prescribers in primary care. Thumbnail


Abstract

BACKGROUND: In the United Kingdom, nurses and pharmacists who have undertaken additional post-registration training can prescribe medicines for any medical condition within their competence (non-medical prescribers, NMPs), but little is known about patients' experiences and perceptions of this service. OBJECTIVE: to obtain feedback from primary care patients on the impact of prescribing by nurse independent prescribers (NIPs) and pharmacist independent prescribers (PIPs) on experiences of the consultation, the patient-professional relationship, access to medicines, quality of care, choice, knowledge, patient-reported adherence and control of their condition. DESIGN: Two cross-sectional postal surveys. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Patients prescribed for by either NIPs or PIPs in six general practices from different regions in England. RESULTS: 30% of patients responded (294/975; 149/525 NIPs; 145/450 PIPs). Most said they were very satisfied with their last visit (94%; 87%), they were told as much as they wanted to know about their medicines (88%; 80%), and felt the independent prescriber really understood their point of view (87%; 75%). They had a good relationship with (89%; 79%) and confidence in (84%; 77%) their NMP. When comparing NMP and doctor prescribing services, most patients reported no difference in their experience of care provided, including access to it, control of condition, support for adherence, quality and safety of care. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Patients had positive perceptions and experience from their NMP visit. NMPs were well received, and patients' responses indicated the establishment of rapport. They did not express a strong preference for care provided by either their non-medical or medical prescriber.

Acceptance Date May 28, 2013
Publication Date Oct 1, 2015
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Health Expectations
Print ISSN 1369-6513
Publisher Wiley
Pages 1241 -1255
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.12099
Keywords non-medical prescribing, nurse, independent prescriber, patient experienc, pharmacist, independent prescriber
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/hex.12099

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