ABSTRACT
Background
Nurse prescribing is proposed globally in a variety of models in an attempt to meet
health needs of the growing population. Providing appropriate preparation, knowledge,
and supported skill development commensurate with this expanded scope has been identified
as a key component to the successful adoption of this practice change.
Aim
To explore nurses’ preferences for the educational preparation and support required
to maximise uptake of expanding nursing practice to include prescribing according
to a supervised model.
Methods
A cross-sectional online survey, tested for face and content validity, was distributed
to registered general nurses across Australia excluding nurse practitioners, enrolled
nurses, and student nurses between March and July 2021. Quantitative data relating
to demographics, nursing experience, and educational requirements to become a prescriber
were analysed descriptively. Pearson χ2 tests were used to examine associations between participant demographics and preferences
for education. Binary logistic regression was used to further examine whether demographic
factors were significant predictors of educational preferences. Open-ended responses
were analysed using content analysis techniques.
Findings
There were 4,424 surveys completed by nurses from all jurisdictions. More than half
of (n=2,907,65.7%) respondents considered that education should be delivered by health
services in conjunction with universities using a blended approach with workplace
integrated practice. Respondent's desire authorised prescriber support and a multidisciplinary
approach for successful adoption. The most frequently reported (n=3,523, 79.6%) factor
influencing the desire to undertake a specific program was course accreditation at
a national level and contribution to a formal qualification. χ2 tests showed significant associations between participants characteristics and educational
preparation factors; however, logistic regression showed a similar trend for all educational
preparation items with no significant effect of age group, qualification, years of
experience or state groups.
Discussion
Implementation of an expanded scope of practice to include prescribing under the supervision
of an authorised prescriber requires a nursing workforce prepared to undertake further
education and authorised prescriber's support. Nurses seek a rigorous national educational
program delivered in collaboration with colleagues.
Conclusion
Health services planning to expand nursing practice to include prescribing should
consider issues raised in this study. The findings highlight areas for future research
and actions to optimise uptake of this new nursing role.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 03, 2022
Accepted:
September 16,
2022
Received in revised form:
August 12,
2022
Received:
March 11,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 Australian College of Nursing Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
