The need for and value of nurse and midwife prescribing: Findings from an Irish research investigation.

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the need for and value of nurse and midwife prescribing in Ireland as identified by these prescribers—the people most able to provide relevant insights and information. Background: Since 2007, nurses and midwives in Ireland who have passed an additional educational program can prescribe medicinal products relative to their clinical practice areas. Research evidence of efficacy is needed now for prescribing sustainability in Ireland and to encourage, if successful, the adoption or expansion of frontline nurse/midwife prescribing rights in other countries. Design A qualitative study was undertaken. Methods: Interviews with registered nurse and midwife prescribers were conducted in 2017 until data saturation. Constant‐comparative coding and categorization of data revealed themes and categories, with explanatory quotes for research trustworthiness and credibility purposes. Results: Six data themes emerged: (a) more than just writing prescriptions; (b) highly individualized evidence‐based specialist care; (c) assured, timely and rapid accessibility to needed care; (d) health system and healthcare efficiency gains; (e) satisfaction with nurse/midwife prescriber services and (f) quality care improvements. Conclusion: Nurse/midwife prescribing in Ireland was identified as needed, safe, effective and cost‐effective. Prescribing permitted accessible, thorough and proactive holistic health promotive care to be provided in nurse‐ or midwife‐led outpatient clinics. SUMMARY STATEMENT: What is already known about this topic? Nurse prescribing has been demonstrated in general so far as being safe and effective.Nurse prescribing is typically done by nurse practitioners or advance practice nurses.A growing number of countries are considering or initiating nurse prescribing. What this paper adds? Evidence is gained from Irish nurse and midwife prescribers revealing the need for and value of their prescribing.Information on how nurse/midwife prescribers do their prescribing work is provided.Insight into outpatient clinics where nurse/midwife prescribers provide primary care services enabling medical specialists to be more available for complex cases. The implications of this paper: New ways of meeting the healthcare needs of chronically ill and other at‐risk populations should be considered and particularly when ER and hospital admissions occur because of unmet care needs.Every developed and developing country should consider initiating prescribing education for nurses and midwives with defined specialty knowledge and skills.Every developed and developing country should pilot test nurse and midwife prescribing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]