Development of specialist dermatology nurse prescribing

In 1993, nurses on the dermatology unit at the Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle, undertook a prescribing trial in order to assess and evaluate the accuracy and safety of nurse prescribing in this specialty. The aim was to demonstrate a positive outcome with evidence which would provide a sound, logical argument to explore the legal right of experienced dermatology nurses to prescribe where necessary within the unit. Five nurses and three senior house officers (SHOs) took part in the study which compared their theoretical prescriptions for treatment with two consultants who actually prescribed. Sixty one per cent of treatment prescribed by the SHOs was of the same type and potency as the consultants' choice. Nursing staff, however, accurately prescribed 80 per cent of the topical treatment the patients received. The authors conclude that nurses should be given more prescribing rights.