Prescribing works well for specialist dermatology nurses

May 26, 2009 by admin 

Nurse prescribing enhances the care of patients with dermatological conditions, with the benefits being most pronounced for patients of dermatology specialist nurses rather than general practice nurses, according to this case study of consultations between nurse prescribers and patients. The authors also highlight the need for nurses to give patients more information about their medicines if they are to be more involved in the decision-making process.

Interviews, questionnaires and videotaping were used in 10 practice settings across England where nurses prescribe for patients with dermatological conditions. The nurses believed that their prescribing decisions were improved by their holistic assessment approach and better prescribing knowledge.  Patients rated their listening and treatment explanation skills, and the assessors who watched the tapes also rated the nurses’ ability to listen and deal sensitively with emotions.

The authors conclude that prescribing allows specialist dermatology nurses to contribute more effectively to dermatology services and that more research is needed to establish whether this is the case for other specialist areas.

Courtenay M, Carey N and Stenner K. Nurse prescriber-patient consultations: a case study in dermatology.  J Adv Nursing 2009; 65(6): 1207-1217.

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