An Analysis of Nurse Prescribing in Slovenia and Croatia

Introduction. Nurse prescribing has been implemented in many countries to address physician shortages and improve healthcare efficiency. Nations like the UK, Ireland, and Sweden have established models allowing nurses to prescribe medications, with varying scopes and educational requirements. While some countries permit independent prescribing, others restrict it to certain conditions or medi- cations. These systems have shown clinical benefits and cost-effectiveness of nurse prescribing. Aim. This study explores current practices and the potential for implementing nurse prescribing in Slovenia and Croatia.Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to May 2024 on 185 nurses from Slovenia and Croatia. The questionnaire covered demographics, current practices, and attitudes toward nurse prescribing. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0 with descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Participants from other countries were excluded from inferential analysis.Results. Slovenian nurses reported greater involvement in medication-related tasks, such as independent medication administration (SLO=28.6%, CRO=15.8%) and therapy adjustment based on vital signs (SLO=24.4%, CRO=11.5%). Statistically significant differences were found in self-education and the use of medication-related applications, with Slovenian nurses showing higher engagement. Most image participants in both countries supported nurse prescribing under specific conditions, especially following additional training and within a legal framework.Conclusion. Findings indicate broad support for nurse prescribing among nurses in both countries. Slovenian nurses are more involved in prescribing-related tasks even if there is no legal basis for it, while Croatian nurses are entering this area through new emergency care specializations. Future development requires targeted education, clear legal regulations, and strong interprofessional collaboration to ensure safe and effective nurse prescribing.