The experience of the non-medical prescriber in the emergency department in Ireland

Abstract

Aim: this study set out to evaluate the position of the non-medical prescriber in the emergency department in Ireland. It aims to explore how the role is developing and determine possible barriers to role expansion. Results: six main themes were identified: the process of role development, changes in professional relationships, nurses' awareness of non-medical prescribing, role progression, the future of the role of the non-medical prescriber, and nursing management's understanding of the role. Conclusion: the findings suggest that despite major leaps in the progression of the non-medical prescriber role, many barriers remain. There have been great improvements in professional support from medical and pharmacy colleagues, but nurses themselves were identified as impeding the progression of the role.