Community matrons' experience as independent prescribers

Community matrons prescribe medications and treatments for arguably the most complex patients in the community setting, yet little is known about their experiences of prescribing. Drug events and inappropriate prescribing are known to account for around 16% of hospital admissions. With a remit of reducing unplanned admissions to hospital, it is important to understand community matrons' experiences as prescribers and to examine the role of prescribing in fulfilling this agenda with consideration given to the adequacy of the prescribing support available. In this study, a qualitative research design was used and a purposive sample of seven community matrons from the south of England took part in the study. Semi-structured interviews were carried out and analysed using Braun and Clarke's six phases of thematic analysis. The findings show that community matrons consider prescribing-related knowledge to be essential in fulfilling their role and that the ability to prescribe speeds patient access to medicines. In some instances it may be instrumental in preventing hospital admission. Community matrons prescribe a limited range of medicines regularly, while referring to GPs for other prescribing that they consider outside their competency. Community matron prescribers mostly access their support from GPs and this is considered adequate in supporting them in their prescribing role.