Pharmacists and prescribing rights: review of international developments

Continuity of care, equitable access, and quality and safety are major foci in health services management. The introduction of limited prescribing rights to pharmacists has the potential to reduce fragmentation within the health system, optimise medication management, improve continuity of patient care and improve patient access to medication.

Eight models for pharmacists' prescribing have been implemented internationally, varying in their dependency on protocols, formularies and collaboration with physicians. These have also been described using terms such as Supplementary Prescribing and Patient Group Directions.

Issues relating to practical implementation of pharmacists' prescribing include negotiation of national health policy, pharmacists' training and accreditation, liability, reimbursement and documentation.