Background Palliative care is an essential component of quality nursing, addressing patients' comprehensive physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. However, the lack of prescribing authority for palliative care nurses in China leads to delays or inconveniences in palliative care services, thereby compromising the quality of end-of-life care. Therefore, we conducted a qualitative study to explore the perspectives and feasibility of implementing nurse prescribing authority among Chinese palliative care nurses or nursing managers. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 nurses and nursing managers working in the field of palliative care in China. The collected data were analyzed and summarized using descriptive phenomenological approach to identify key themes and insights. All data were treated with strict confidentiality, and recordings and transcriptions were made with the participants' consent. Results Three main themes and six sub-themes were identified: Attitudinal Divergencce (Supportive Attitudes,Opposing Attitudes),Qualification Certification (Qualification Requirements,Training and Certification),Scope and Restrictions (Prescriptive Scope,Authority and Responsibility). Conclusions This study provides an in-depth analysis of the perceptions and expectations of Chinese nurses and nursing managers regarding nurse prescribing authority in palliative care, offering significant implications for future pilot implementation of nurse prescribing in China. When introducing nurse prescribing authority in palliative care settings, it is essential to establish clear certification criteria for applicants, define the scope and limits of prescribing privileges, and develop multi-dimensional legal, regulatory, and policy frameworks to supervise and safeguard its practice.
[1]Nanjing Univ, Nanjing Drum Tower Hosp, Affiliated Hosp Med Sch, Dept Oncol, 321 Zhongshan Rd, Nanjing 210008, Jiangsu, Peoples R China.
[2]Nanjing Univ Chinese Med, Sch Nursing, 138 Xianlin Ave, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, Peoples R China.
(8.0+极速模式)