IMPLEMENTATION OF A NURSE PRACTITIONER POLICY FOR THE REQUISITION ANDADMINISTRATION OF DRUGS IN A HEMOPHILIA COMPREHENSIVE CARE CENTER

The evolution of comprehensive care centres for haemophilia has altere d the work of those involved in the care of haemophilia patients. The role of the haemophilia sister has expanded and the concept of the hae mophilia nurse specialist has emerged. We describe the implementation of a local policy which has enabled haemophilia nurse specialists to r equisition and administer clotting factor concentrates, DDAVP, tranexa mic acid and hepatitis vaccines independently, in hospital and communi ty settings. Since the introduction of this policy on 2 August 1994, p rescribing practice has not changed in the haemophilia centre, nor has the involvement of medical staff in the care of haemophilia patients. This approach is widely applicable in other centres and should be a l ogical progression of the haemophilia nurse specialist's role.