This article aimed to identify non-medical prescribing in children's hospices, focusing on the perceived benefits and challenges. Internet based questionnaires were sent to 55 hospice services, with 20 responses, identifying a total of 39 non medical prescribers (NMPs). Perceived benefits included timely access to medicines, increased efficiency and accuracy in the admission process and medicine reconciliation, and improved symptom control. Perceived barriers were confidence, particularly due to the wide range of conditions and ages. The study showed NMPs are making a significant contribution to the prescribing workforce within hospices but a number of challenges need to be addressed.
Tatterton, M. 2017. Independent non-medical prescribing in children's hospices in the UK: a practice snapshot. International Journal of Palliative Nursing, 23 (8) p 386 - 391.
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