Effect of a spacer on total systemic and lung bioavailability in healthy volunteers and in vitro performance of the Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) pressurized metered dose inhaler.

Introduction: Many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma experience difficulties in coordinating inhalation with pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) actuation. The use of a spacer device can improve drug delivery in these patients. The aim of this study was to establish the relative bioavailability of single doses of Symbicort (budesonide/formoterol) pMDI 160/4.

Independent extended nurse prescribing for patients with skin conditions: a national questionnaire survey.

Aim: To examine the prescribing practices of independent extended nurse prescribers for patients with skin conditions.

Background: Nurse-led services are one means of improving healthcare provision for dermatology patients. The advent of nurse prescribing should optimize the role of the nurse in these situations.

Supplementary nurse prescribing for patients with skin conditions: a national questionnaire survey.

Aim: To examine the prescribing practices of supplementary nurse prescribers (working in both primary and secondary care) who prescribe medicines for patients with skin conditions and the factors that facilitate or inhibit this mode of prescribing.

Background: Nurses work in a variety of roles, with varying levels of expertise, are involved in the treatment management of a broad range of skin diseases. Skin conditions are those for which independent nurse prescribers prescribe most frequently.

Independent extended supplementary nurse prescribers, their prescribing practice and confidence to educate and assess prescribing students.

Background: No other country in the world has such extended prescribing rights for nurses as the United Kingdom. Concerns surround the move of nursing towards a medical model of care, and the level of medical practice support required by trainee prescribers.

Aim: To provide an overview of the nurses adopting the role of independent extended supplementary prescriber, their prescribing practice and confidence to educate and assess prescribing students.

Preparing nurses to prescribe medicines for patients with dermatological conditions.

Background: From Spring 2006, independent extended nurse prescribers in the United Kingdom will be able to prescribe any licensed medicines except controlled drugs. Supplementary nurse prescribers are currently able to prescribe any medication. No other country in the world has such extended prescribing rights for nurses.

Independent extended and supplementary nurse prescribing practice in the UK: a national questionnaire survey.

Background: Nurses are able to prescribe independently from a list of nearly 250 prescription only medicines for a range of over 100 medical conditions or, from the whole British National Formulary as a supplementary prescriber. There is some evidence available on the prescribing practices of district nurses and health visitors and early independent extended prescribers. Little or no attention has focussed on supplementary nurse prescribing.