Perspectives of Chinese nurses on the feasibility of nurse prescription authority in palliative care: a qualitative study

Palliative care is an essential component of quality nursing, addressing patients’ comprehensive physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. However, the lack of prescribing authority for palliative care nurses in China leads to delays or inconveniences in palliative care services, thereby compromising the quality of end-of-life care. Therefore, we conducted a qualitative study to explore the perspectives and feasibility of implementing nurse prescribing authority among Chinese palliative care nurses or nursing managers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 nurses and nursing managers working in the field of palliative care in China. The collected data were analyzed and summarized using descriptive phenomenological approach to identify key themes and insights. All data were treated with strict confidentiality, and recordings and transcriptions were made with the participants’ consent. Three main themes and six sub-themes were identified: Attitudinal Divergencce (Supportive Attitudes、Opposing Attitudes)、Qualification Certification (Qualification Requirements、Training and Certification)、Scope and Restrictions (Prescriptive Scope、Authority and Responsibility). This study provides an in-depth analysis of the perceptions and expectations of Chinese nurses and nursing managers regarding nurse prescribing authority in palliative care, offering significant implications for future pilot implementation of nurse prescribing in China. When introducing nurse prescribing authority in palliative care settings, it is essential to establish clear certification criteria for applicants, define the scope and limits of prescribing privileges, and develop multi-dimensional legal, regulatory, and policy frameworks to supervise and safeguard its practice.