Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Publication

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

Tinelli, M.
Blenkinsopp, Alison
Latter, S.
Chapman, S.R.
Publication Date
2015
End of Embargo
Supervisor
Rights
© 2015 John Wiley and Sons. This is an Open Access article published under the Creative Commons CC-BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Peer-Reviewed
Yes
Open Access status
openAccess
Accepted for publication
2013-05-28
Institution
Department
Awarded
Embargo end date
Additional title
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.
Version
Published version
Citation
Tinelli M, Blenkinsopp A, Latter S et al (2015) Survey of patients' experiences and perceptions of care provided by nurse and pharmacist independent prescribers in primary care. Health Expectations. 18(5): 1241-1255.
Link to publisher’s version
Link to published version
Link to Version of Record
Type
Article
Qualification name
Notes