Nonmedical prescribing in the United kingdom: developments and stakeholder interests

J Ambul Care Manage. 2008 Jul-Sep;31(3):244-52. doi: 10.1097/01.JAC.0000324670.91153.b4.

Abstract

This article reflects upon the introduction of nonmedical prescribing in the United Kingdom and describes the historical developments within the National Health Service over the last 2 decades, together with an assessment of the impact of this prescribing for various stakeholders, drawing upon relevant research. We argue that a number of issues are associated with the introduction and development of nonmedical prescribing, including benefits to patients, the promise of increased autonomy for professions such as nursing and pharmacy, explicit and implicit government objectives, and threats to medical dominance and autonomy.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Community Health Services / trends
  • Drug Prescriptions* / history
  • Drug Prescriptions* / nursing
  • Health Care Reform
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans
  • Legislation, Drug / history
  • Nurses
  • Pharmacists
  • Professional Role
  • State Medicine / history
  • State Medicine / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • State Medicine / trends
  • United Kingdom