An evaluation framework for non-medical prescribing research

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Contents Vol 36(2)

doi:10.1071/AH10986

Journal of the Australian Healthcare & Hospitals Association

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An evaluation framework for non-medical prescribing research

Andrew R. Hale ^A ^F , Danielle A. Stowasser ^B , Ian D. Coombes ^C ^D , Julie Stokes ^E and Lisa Nissen ^D

^A Medication Services Queensland, Citilink Building 2, Lobby 4 Level 1, 153 Campbell Street, Bowen Hills, QLD 4006, Australia.
^B National Prescribing Service, Level 7/418a Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia.
^C Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia.
^D Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, University of Queensland, Level 4, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
^E Safe Medication Management Unit, Medication Services Queensland, Citilink Building 2, Lobby 4 Level 1, 153 Campbell Street, Bowen Hills, QLD 4006, Australia.
^F Corresponding author. Email: andrew_hale@health.qld.gov.au

Australian Health Review 36(2) 224-228 http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/AH10986
Submitted: 6 December 2010 Accepted: 12 October 2011 Published: 25 May 2012





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Abstract

Without robust and credible evidence for the benefits in health outcomes of non-medical prescribing, widespread implementation will be challenging. Our aim is to develop a consistent evaluation framework that could be applied to non-medical prescribing research. An informal collaboration was initiated in 2008 by a group of pharmacists from Australia and New Zealand to assist in information sharing, pilot design, methodologies and evaluation for pharmacist prescribing. Different pilots used different models, methodologies and evaluation. It was agreed that the development of a consistent evaluation framework to be applied to future research on non-medical prescribing was required. The framework would help to align the outcomes of different research pilots and enable the comparison of endpoints to determine the effectiveness of a non-medical prescribing intervention.

This article presents the results of a workshop held at The University of Queensland in January 2009. Participants were asked to consider how to evaluate the effectiveness of different models of pharmacist prescribing.

What is known about the topic? Little is known about the effectiveness and safety of non-medical prescribing services due to a lack of robust evidence.

What does this paper add? This paper adds a methodology for clinicians and healthcare managers to be able to evaluate any new service of non-medical prescribing, either in the pilot phase or once introduced as a new model of care.

What are the implications for practitioners? The implication for practitioners is the ability to prove to healthcare providers that non-medical prescribing services are at least as effective as usual care, so informing whether a change should be introduced in the way healthcare is delivered to patients.

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