Can podiatrists write prescriptions?
As of 2012, legislation in the UK has been revised to provide more health care professionals the right to prescribe medications to their patients. In this article we look at how podiatrists have been affected by these revisions, and how they can prescribe in the UK.
Podiatric prescription powers
Changes in the law regarding who can prescribe medications have been brought about by increasing pressures on the NHS in recent years. Modern healthcare in the UK is a complex practice that brings together many different disciplines, one of which is podiatry. In many cases professionals like podiatrists and physiotherapists are in a position to determine that their patient needs certain medications, however the law has, in the past, meant that these practitioners were unable to do more than recommend prescription to doctors and nurses.
The recent changes in British law allow podiatrists and physiotherapists to prescribe medications relevant to their practice, provided they have achieved certain qualifications. Podiatrists in the UK now have access to a post-graduate course which would educate them in prescription techniques and the related safety and health concerns. After completing this course a podiatrist can prescribe certain medications, but it should be made clear that what a podiatrist can prescribe will be restricted to what is relevant to their practice.
What kind of drugs can podiatrists prescribe?
Podiatrists can prescribe drugs like anti-inflammatories and stronger painkillers when they feel that their patient needs these medications. Many podiatric conditions involve discomfort, pain, and swelling, and these medications can effectively remedy these symptoms and facilitate smoother and more effective treatment in the long run.
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