CPD needs of opioid nurse prescribers: A survey

Background: The Misuse of Drugs Act non-medical prescribing legislation permits nurse independent prescribers (NIPs) to prescribe any controlled drug that is within their scope of professional practice. Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential for safe effective prescribing and is required for professional revalidation. This study was conducted to explore the educational requirements of non-medical opioid prescribers. Methods: Informed by a critical realism position, an electronic survey was distributed to 147 NIPs working in a Scottish NHS Health Board. The aim was to identify how many NIPs were prescribing opioids and to explore their CPD requirements regardless of whether they prescribed opioids or not, including preferred method of delivery of education and to explore whether the single competency framework was sufficient to facilitate safe and effective prescribing. Results: The response rate was 46% (n=68). The majority of respondents (69%, n=37) prescribed opioids. Ninety-four percent...