A government consultation, closing on the 8th December, is currently deciding whether physiotherapists and podiatrists may soon be able to prescribe medication for their patients without needing a doctor’s written agreement. The decision would allow physiotherapists to enjoy the same prescribing rights as other non-medical professionals like nurses and pharmacists.
The chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) greatly welcomes the proposed change. Patients would benefit from the prescription rights as their visits would be much more convenient as they can receive treatment and prescriptions in one place instead of having to repeat visits to different health professionals.
The CSP also anticipates that the measure will result in better patient care, as patients will be offered faster and more direct access to the medication and treatment they need without having to experience unnecessary delays.
According to the proposal, physiotherapists would be permitted to prescribe a range of medication for respiratory conditions like asthma, neurological conditions, such as the effects of a stroke and for pain relief.
Physiotherapists would be required to complete an approved prescribing course to qualify for the new independent prescribing rights, only open to specialist physiotherapists or those with sufficient experience.
Ann Green, Chair of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, commented:
“The public consultation on independent prescribing for physiotherapists is very good news as it represents a major step forward towards the goal of improving patient care delivered by physiotherapists. The other big benefit is that the new rights will relieve a currently unnecessary burden on doctors who are simply asked to write a prescription for medication recommended by the physiotherapist.”
Green concluded saying:
“Though the proposed change will mean greater responsibilities and additional training to become independent prescribers, physiotherapists are well placed to take this on as they have already been `supplementary prescribers’ since 2001. This allowed them to prescribe if they have a written management plan in place that is signed by a doctor. The new rights will mean that an additional layer of complexity for patients can be removed.”
If sufficient support is demonstrated, the government will conduct a full review following the consultation. Should the government decide to support the proposal, the Medicines Act 1968 and the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001 will be amended accordingly.
Written by Petra Rattue