Perception and level of pharmacological knowledge for prescription medicines, in nursing licenses

Abstract

Introduction: the needs and socioeconomic conditions in Mexico have changed, just as the health model has modified the competencies of health professionals. Nursing assumes the prescription of medicines as a new competence. It should be noted that this was already done, only without legal support.

Objective: to know the perception and the level of pharmacological knowledge of the students of Nursing Degree to prescribe medicines.

Material and Methods: cross-sectional study was carried out, the analysis unit was Nursing undergraduate students who were enrolled in Pharmacology, the sample was 160 students. A web questionnaire was used, which included 6 modules that corresponded to the units of the program of the subject and to know the perception of the prescription semi-structured interview was applied

Results: the general pharmacological knowledge of the students was insufficient. They perceive that they are not fully qualified, to prescribe medication in accordance with current regulations; mainly due to the lack of pharmacological knowledge.

Conclusions: the prescription of medications is a process that is evolving in the country. Once it is consolidated, it will have an impact on the health system, as well as on the quality of care provided by nursing.