The Role, Contribution and Impact of Independent Nurse Prescribers and Advanced Nurse Practitioners to the Children's Hospice Workforce

Abstract

The care needs of babies, children and young people who use children's hospices have changed over the last decade, with children living for longer, with more complexity. Children's hospice workforces have evolved to continue to meet these needs, including a growth in the number of nurses working at specialist and advanced levels, particularly prescribing. A 15-question survey was sent to all 54 UK children's hospices, which aimed to explore the impact of independent nurse prescribing, and specialist and advanced level nursing practice in UK children's hospices. Forty-one organisations responded, representing 76% of UK children's hospices. Increased autonomy and the ability to respond to the dynamic needs of families, and enabling family choice was recognised and valued by prescribers. Challenges included the breadth of needs of children with life-limiting conditions, and the use of medicines that are either unlicenced or used off-licence. Access to clinical supervision and continuing professional development were highlighted as enablers of prescribing practice.