The aim of this study was to explore the role and responsibilities of non-medical prescriber leads in the southwest of England. A questionnaire was completed by 22 leads in this region in 2019. A total of 2388 healthcare professionals were reported to have the prescribing qualification amongst the 22 participating organisations. Just under half (44.5%) of the leads did not have any designated time to undertake the role, and a third (31.2%) did not have the role included within their job description. The demands of the role were evident in the key areas of activities reported by leads in this study. A total of 21 (95.5%) respondents reported that governance and communication with managers/non-medical prescribers was important or essential to their role, whilst only 11 (50%) described the support of designated medical practitioners in this way. The responsibilities of the leads in the southwest of England are complex, however, many of them undertake the role with limited organisational support. Research is required in order to fully understand the role and responsibilities of the Lead role, so that it can be supported appropriately. Without this, the full benefits of non-medical prescibing are unlikely to be realised, as Leads will not have the time or capacity to undertake the role effectively.

Aim To understand the experience of non-medical prescribers undertaking the role of designated prescribing supervisor with students on the non-medical prescribing course for the first time. Methods Questionnaire completed by 34 designated prescribing supervisors, followed by semi-structured interviews with 10 designated prescribing supervisors. Findings There were four themes identified from the data. These were: knowledge and experience prior to undertaking the designated prescribing supervisor role; how the role of designated prescribing supervisor was enacted in practice; interactions and engagements necessary to support the designated prescribing supervisor and underpin students' professional development; and the way in which the designated prescribing supervisor role supports personal growth. Conclusion Designated prescribing supervisors in this evaluation described their role as consisting of coaching, advice and pastoral support. The supervision which they provided tended to be unscheduled and informal. Designated prescribing supervisors valued the support they received from the University and their Employer. Undertaking the role of designated prescribing supervisors was described as beneficial to their continuing professional development, it enhanced job satisfaction and provided a greater sense of self-worth.

Aim To investigate how non-medical prescribers (NMPs) form and develop their identity. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight NMPs (three nurses, three physiotherapists and two pharmacists). Findings There were three themes identified from the data. These were: using role models; consolidating a new identity; and collectivity versus isolation. Conclusion NMPs use a variety of role models to assist with the formation and development of their identity as a prescriber. They rely on their professional background to add legitimacy to their new identity as prescribers. NMPs used contact with others to help overcome feelings of anxiety and isolation, which may have otherwise limited their ability to prescribe.

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