NURSING PRESCRIPTION. CURRENT DATA WORLDWIDE.

Abstract

Introduction: The concept and practice of nursing prescription have evolved in recent years due to the continuous advancement of nursing science worldwide.

Aim: This study aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of nursing prescription by analyzing its definition through contemporary literature findings and mapping its implementation on an international scale.

Material & Method: An extensive literature review was conducted, covering the period from 2000 to 2024, across the databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, Mendeley, and Scopus. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, along with the use of specific keywords. The final research sample consisted of 17 studies, selected from an initial pool of 81.

Results: The literature highlights that the assignment of prescribing rights to nurses demands the recognition of needs, the development of policies and the establishment of a legal framework for expanded duties, with continuous education, specialization under strict conditions, opportunities for career advancement and ongoing inspection. Currently, more than 50 countries are developing and securing the potential for nurses to prescribe in order to meet the increasing demands of healthcare, with variations in both the job descriptions and the scope of educational policies implemented in the field of Nursing. In most countries where nursing prescribing has been institutionalized, nurses perform a range of activities, including prescribing diagnostic or preventive tests, medications, or medical examinations, in the areas of prevention, health promotion, chronic disease management and care coordination, either independently or with medical support, in hospital settings or primary healthcare facilities.

Conclusions: The institutionalization of nursing prescription reflects the progress of numerous countries, the advancement of nursing science, and the effective utilization of highly trained nurses. Furthermore, it emphasizes the contribution of nursing prescription to addressing the increasingly complex demands of healthcare delivery. The upgrading of nursing roles positively impacts both the quality and functioning of healthcare services and professionals, as well as the satisfaction of the recipients of these services.

Keywords: Nursing Prescription, Primary Healthcare, Advanced Nursing Roles