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Patients’ valuation of the prescribing nurse in primary care: a discrete choice experiment
Gerard, K. Tinelli, M. Latter, S. Smith, A. Blenkinsopp, Alison
Gerard, K.
Tinelli, M.
Latter, S.
Smith, A.
Blenkinsopp, Alison
Publication Date
2015-11-27
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© 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
2014-03-17
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Abstract
Background Recently, primary care in the United Kingdom has
undergone substantial changes in skill mix. Non-medical prescribing
was introduced to improve patient access to medicines, make
better use of different health practitioners’ skills and increase
patient choice. There is little evidence about value-based patient
preferences for ‘prescribing nurse’ in a general practice setting.
Objective To quantify value-based patient preferences for the
profession of prescriber and other factors that influence choice of
consultation for managing a minor illness.
Design Discrete choice experiment patient survey.
Setting and participants Five general practices in England with
non-medical prescribing services, questionnaires completed by 451
patients.
Main outcome measure Stated choice of consultation.
Main results There was a strong general preference for consulting
‘own doctor’ for minor illness. However, a consultation with a
nurse prescriber with positive patient-focused attributes can be
more acceptable to patients than a consultation provided by a
doctor. Attributes ‘professional’s attention to patients’ views’ and
extent of ‘help offered’ were pivotal. Past experience influenced
preference.
Discussion and conclusion Respondents demonstrated valid preferences.
Preferences for consulting a doctor remained strong, but
many were happy to consult with a nurse if other aspects of the
consultation were improved. Findings show who to consult is not
the only valued factor in choice of consultation for minor illness.
The ‘prescribing nurse’ role has potential to offer consultation
styles that patients value. Within the study’s limitations, these findings can inform delivery of primary care to enhance patient experience and substitute appropriate nurse prescribing consultations
for medical prescribing consultations.
Version
Published version
Citation
Gerard K, Tinelli M, Latter S et al (2015) Patients' valuation of the prescribing nurse in
primary care: a discrete choice experiment. Health Expectations. 18(6): 2223-2235.
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Article