A qualitative study on the impact of legislation on the prescribing of controlled drugs by nurses

This qualitative research explores the views of 26 qualified Nurse Independent and Nurse Supplementary Prescribers on the adoption of the role of prescribing for patients in pain, and how the legislation on prescribing controlled drugs has had an impact on practice. This level of prescribing, and the impact of legislation have varied according to the context in which the nurses worked. Practice was affected in the hospital setting where there was confusion over definitions of pain types. Nurses working with chronic pain patients in outpatient settings tended to make recommendations rather than prescribe medication. The findings of this study inevitably have implications for the Home Office consultation on the prescription of controlled drugs by Nurse Independent Prescribers.