Nurse prescribing of medicines in Western European and Anglo-Saxon countries: a systematic review of the literature
2011

Nurse Prescribing in Western Europe and Anglo-Saxon Countries

Sample size: 124 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Marieke Kroezen, Liset van Dijk, Peter Groenewegen, Anneke Francke

Primary Institution: NIVEL, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research

Hypothesis

What are the mechanisms and conditions under which nurse prescribing has been introduced in Western European and Anglo-Saxon countries?

Conclusion

Nurse prescribing varies significantly across countries, with some allowing independent prescribing while others impose strict conditions and supervision by physicians.

Supporting Evidence

  • One hundred and twenty-four publications met the inclusion criteria.
  • Seven Western European and Anglo-Saxon countries have implemented nurse prescribing.
  • Differences in prescribing rights reflect the jurisdictional settlements between nursing and medical professions.

Takeaway

This study looks at how nurses in different countries can prescribe medicine, showing that some have more freedom than others.

Methodology

A systematic review of literature was conducted, including a comprehensive search of six databases and expert consultations.

Limitations

The review may not include all relevant policy documents and some literature may be outdated.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6963-11-127

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