Radiography prescribing

A similar process occurred with podiatry, physiotherapy and radiography and led to extension of supplementary prescribing to these professions in April 2005. In a further development in 2006, nurses and pharmacists became eligible to train as independent prescribers. 

Loperamide is an opiate drug that decreases motility of the intestine. It does not cross the blood-brain barrier easily and therefore does not have the central nervous system effects (euphoria, respiratory depression, nausea and vomiting and dependence) of other opiates. Loperamide is prescribed to counteract gastrointestinal side effects (diarrhoea) of therapeutic radiography. 

The first two case studies are patients who might be seen by a physiotherapist, although other health care professionals might see similar patients for different reasons. The third situation is where a radiographer might administer or prescribe drugs to counteract the effects of therapeutic radiography. 

What is the current position for prescribing, supplying and administering medicines in radiography What direction will this take in the future These questions are answered below. 

There is a potential role for independent prescribers in diagnostic radiography, and this is particularly evident in areas of acute medical practice. There are examples of radiographers working in accident centres whose role involves diagnosis and on the basis of this they propose treatment and discharge patients (Snaith, 2007). This treatment can involve the supply and administration of medicines, particularly for pain relief. 

Francis, G. and Hogg, D. (2006) Radiographer prescribing enhancing seamless care in oncology. Radiography, 12(1), 3-5. 

Hogg, P. (2006) Radiography Prescribing Conference Manchester, (unpublished). 

Hogg, D. and Hogg, P. (2003) Radiographer prescribing lessons to be learnt from the community nursing experience Editorial. Radiography, 9(4), 263-65. 

The final chapter (Chapter 15) Prescribing in Practice consists of contributions from podiatry, radiography and physiotherapy colleagues. They have described the use of... 

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