2026-09-21T02:54:33Z rgu-repository.worktribe.com

oai:rgu-repository.worktribe.com:248944 2026-09-04T14:57:19Z 084104101115105115 openaccess

Thesis Social and cognitive influences on prescribing decisions among non-medical prescribers. Non-medical prescribers make an increasing contribution to healthcare across the UK yet little is known about influences on their prescribing decision-making. The aim of this programme of research was to explore and describe prescribing decision-making by non-medical prescribers. A two stage programme of research was carried out. Stage 1 was a systematic review of the social and cognitive influences on prescribing decision-making by non-medical prescribers. Despite a paucity of research, various influences on prescribing decision-making were reported including evidence based guidelines, peer support and patient (or parental) relationships and expectations. While confidence and clinical experience as a practitioner were cited as influences, the lack of prescribing experience and aspects of pharmacological knowledge also impacted on prescribing decision-making, resulting in a cautious approach. Stage 2 of the research employed a phenomenological methodology underpinned by the Theoretical Domains Framework of behavioural determinants (TDF). It comprised three phases. In Phase 1, semi-structured interviews with five nurse prescribers and eight pharmacist prescribers in NHS Grampian explored their experiences and perceptions of influences on their prescribing decision-making, and the impact of these influences. Multiple and sometimes contradictory influences were uncovered. Twelve of the fourteen domains of the TDF were found to be influential along with multi-disciplinary working and experience; optimism and reinforcement did not feature. In Phase 2, these participants recorded reflections on prescribing decisions which they considered noteworthy in relation to their practice, and in Phase 3 participants were interviewed about their reflections. Complexity was a feature of many, in the patients clinical or social circumstances or in relation to wider concerns. The same 12 domains were found to be influential as were multi-disciplinary working, experience and complexity. This programme of research has produced original findings which it is hoped will impact on the education, training and practice of these increasingly important prescribers. McIntosh, Trudi 0000-0002-0981-6175 PhD Doctoral 2017-09-30 Scott Cunningham, Derek C. Stewart, Katrina Forbes-McKay and Dorothy McCaig oai:rgu-repository.worktribe.com:248944 https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/248944/1/MCINTOSH%202017%20Social%20and%20cognitive%20influences RGU Internal Funding Nonmedical prescribers Prescribing decisionmaking Influences Systematic review Theoretical Domains Framework Interviews http://hdl.handle.net/10059/2741 2017 en openAccess https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ Public