An evaluation of nurse prescribing. Part 1: a literature review

Prescriptive authority for nurses was first introduced by America in 1969, followed later by the UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Sweden. A review of research conducted internationally was performed to inform the development of prescribing policies and practice and to guide future research.

This article, the first of a 2-part literature review, aims to provide a summary of the research conducted in relation to nurse prescribing and confidence in prescribing, the impact of prescribing on relationships, and education for prescribing.

A number of electronic databases were searched in March 2009 and 155 results were retrieved. Forty-four studies satisfied the criteria for inclusion. Twenty-two of these studies are included in this part of the review.

Seventeen studies were UK based, with USA, Australia and Sweden represented by a minority of studies. Seven studies addressed nurse prescribers' confidence, while eight studies focused on the impact nurse prescribing has on interprofessional relationships. The final seven studies addresses the knowledge base and educational preparation of nurses for the prescribing role.

This review has demonstrated the diversity of research conducted in the area of confidence in prescribing, interprofessional relationships and education. It has identified areas which require further investigation, which will inform the future development of nurse and midwife prescribing.