Knowledge, attitude, and perception of nurses, physicians, and patients regarding nurse prescribing role in Pakistan
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63868/npjn.v2i1.83Keywords:
Knowledge Level, Perception, Attitude, Nurse prescribing ole, PakistanAbstract
Background: Nurse prescribing roles are increasingly adopted by global healthcare systems to address workforce shortages and enhance patient access. However, the potential for implementing such roles in Pakistan has not been thoroughly investigated. This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of nurses, physicians, and patients regarding nurse prescribing in Pakistan.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Sukkur, Pakistan. A quota-based non-random sampling approach was used to recruit 200 participants, including registered nurses, physicians, and patients. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire (Cronbach’s α=0.75) and analyzed with descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and ANOVA (p<0.05).
Results: Awareness of nurse prescribing was reported by 82.9% of nurses and 70.0% of physicians. Despite this, support for independent prescribing remained limited; 80.0% of patients, 68.6% of physicians, and 48.6% of nurses preferred the role to remain strictly under physician supervision. Nurses demonstrated the most positive attitudes toward nurse prescribing (38.1%), while physicians achieved the highest knowledge scores (4.91±2.21). Statistically significant differences were observed among the groups in both knowledge (F=24.27, p<0.001) and attitudes (F=34.72, p<0.001).
Conclusion: Although Pakistani nurses exhibit readiness and positive attitudes toward prescribing, significant barriers persist, such as physician resistance and limited patient trust. Effective integration of nurse prescribing roles will require strengthened nursing curricula, the establishment of clear regulatory frameworks, and improved interprofessional collaboration.
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