Teasdale S. Reducing the risk of coronary heart disease: targeting cholesterol. Nurse Prescribing 2005; 3(3): 115–120.

Abstract

This article discusses the challenging question of facilitating the educational requirements of students who enter the extended/supplementary prescribing programmes from diverse clinical backgrounds. Data emerging from a survey of mental health nurses (MHNs) by one of the authors (S.H.) and specifically what they perceive as the educational providers role in helping them develop as prescribers is presented. Secondly, the second author (J.D.) then discusses the implications of responding to student's expectations and importantly facilitating competence for the student for the differing contexts of where they will prescribe.

Summary

The discipline of evidence-based prescribing is relatively new to nurses and other non-medical prescribers. The introduction of clinical governance, which emphasises accountability, quality and efficiency, means that it is no longer acceptable to base clinical decisions on personal opinion. Prescribing itself is just one stage in making a rational treatment decision, which requires a fully structured approach. This article will highlight some of the considerations that the prescriber has to take into account, including: the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of treatment options, how to check the evidence, the benefits or harms of a treatment and, the patient's own involvement in the treatment plan.

Belton J. Developing a computer-based clinical management plan for supplementary prescribing. Nurse Prescribing 2005; 3(2): 76–78.

Jackson K. Acne vulgaris: clinical considerations for nurse prescribers. Nurse Prescribing 2005; 3(3): 105–109.

Ashcroft DM et al. Efficacy and tolerability of topical pimecrolimus and tacrolimus in the treatment of atopic dermatitis: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ [1] 2005; 330(516) 5 March

Abstract

This paper evaluates the benefit and value of supplementary prescribing for rheumatology patients, and the teams who manage their care. Problems and challenges are highlighted as the paper also reviews implementation into practice and discusses audit results in terms of patient and service outcomes.

Griffith R and Channon C. Nurse prescribing and the issue of patient confidentiality. Nurse Prescribing 2005; 3(2): 73–75.

Campbell P. Nurse prescribing for contraceptive care and sexual health. J Fam Plan Reprod Health Care 2004; 30(4): 255–256.

Bentley J. Choosing the right prescribing options in wound debridement. Nurse Prescribing 2005; 3(3): 96–104.

Bradley E and Nolan P. Non-medical prescribing and mental health nursing: prominent issues. Mental Health Practice 2005; 8(5): 16–19.

Brimblecombe NR. The changing relationship between mental health nurses and psychiatrists in the United Kingdom. Journal Advanced Nursing 2005; 49(4): 344–353.

Padmore E. Nurse prescribing in diabetes care. Diabetic Medicine 2005; 22:19–21.

Banning M. Medication errors: considerations for nurse prescribers. Nurse Prescribing 2005; 3(2): 68–71.