Mar 26 2013
An evaluation of the prescribing practices of community matrons at one NHS trust using a validated tool found they were doing so appropriately and compared favourably to published data on GP prescribing.
Researchers analysed retrospectively 75 prescriptions written by community matrons and qualitative data were obtained through five consultations.
A medication appropriateness tool was used which features a ten-point questionnaire including questions such as 'is there an indication for the drug?', 'is the dosage correct?', and 'is the drug the least expensive alternative compared to others of equal utility?'.
Author Melanie Hart, non-medical prescribing and governance lead at Birmingham Community Health Care said the study shows matrons were making 'appropriate prescribing decisions'.
'The aim of this study has been realised, which was to demonstrate, prove and accept the hypothesis that "community matron independent nurse prescribing practice is as safe and effective as medical prescribers in terms of clinical appropriateness and cost effectiveness".'
However, she stressed that caution must be used before generalising the findings due to the small population studied, and that direct comparisons with GP prescribing was not undertaken.