Independent non-medical prescribing in children's hospices in the UK: a practice snapshot

Abstract

Background: Non-medical prescribing is well established within the British health service, with increasing numbers of nurses practicing within children’s hospices. Aim: To identify the context of non-medical prescribing in children’s hospices in the UK, focusing on the perceived benefits and challenges. Method: Internet-based questionnaires were sent to 55 UK children’s hospices, exploring the practice and context of prescribing. Results: Of the 55 invited, 20 children’s hospices responded to the questionnaire, 14 of which employed a total of 39 non-medical prescribers (NMPs). Sixteen individual NMPs responded, of which half (50%) prescribed to enable the continuation of existing medicines, 37.5% prescribed independently surrounding symptom management and control and 31.3% in end-of-life care. Perceived benefits of prescribing included timely access to medicines, increased efficiency and accuracy in the admissions process and medicine reconciliation and the increased ability to offer choice in the place of palliative and hospice care. Perceived barriers to prescribing surrounded opportunities to develop confidence, defining the scope of practice and the time required to assess, diagnose and treat. Conclusion: NMPs are making a significant contribution to the prescribing workforce within hospices; however, a number of challenges need to be addressed to enable hospices to realise the benefits.