Doctors’, nurses’, and midwives’ views of hospital pharmacist prescribing: a cross-sectional survey study

Background and Importance: Hospital pharmacist prescribing (HPP) is established to varying extents in numerous countries, with evidence that stakeholders positively view the impact of HPP on hospital workflows and patient safety. While there is currently no legislative basis for pharmacist prescribing in Ireland, a national report recommended HPP to be initiated in 2027. It is vital that the views of Irish prescribers (doctors, nurses, and midwives) on HPP are investigated prior to implementation. Aim and Objectives: To gather the views of doctors, nurses, and midwives working in Irish hospitals regarding HPP, and establish their perceived impacts on healthcare provision. Material and Methods: An anonymous online survey was distributed to doctors, nurses, and midwives working in Ireland via email and social media platforms. The survey was active for 12 weeks from 4 July 2024.The survey comprised a combination of multiple choice and Likert scale questions, along with open comment sections. Data analysis combined descriptive and thematic analysis. Results: Complete responses were gathered from 238 participants. Doctors, nurses, and midwives accounted for 43.6%, 44.9%, and 11.4% of respondents, respectively. A majority of the three professions surveyed, doctors (81.6%), nurses (89.6%), and midwives (96.3%) indicated support or strong support for HPP. Consultant doctors comprised 56.2% of all doctor respondents. Support (support or strong support) for HPP was indicated by 86% of consultant respondents, of which 76% had over 20 years of experience in their profession. Clinical Nurse Managers and Clinical Midwife Managers indicated support of 92.5% and 100% respectively for HPP. Respondents overall agreed that HPP would result in reduced instances (84.7%) and faster correction (88.6%) of prescribing errors, reduced patient adverse drug reactions (80.5%), and improved workflows (80.1%). When asked about HPP scope of practice independently or with supervision (direct/indirect), 61.4% indicated that pharmacists should independently prescribe pre-admission medicines, 59.3% indicated that pharmacists should independently prepare discharge prescriptions, while only 14.4% said that pharmacists should independently initiate a new medicine. Conclusion and Relevance: Doctors, nurses, and midwives are supportive overall of HPP in Ireland, with less support for pharmacists prescribing independently in some areas. Doctors, nurses, and midwives perceive that HPP will have several positive impacts on healthcare provision, and ultimately contribute to reduced prescribing errors and patient harm.