Real stories from dietitians
Independent prescribing would allow dietitians to prescribe medicines relevant to their practice without needing a clinical management plan agreed with a doctor.
Across the UK, dietitians are already assessing patients, identifying treatment needs and prescribing medicines as supplementary prescribers. This means they can prescribe within an agreed clinical management plan, but cannot prescribe independently.
These case studies show the real-world impact of these restrictions on patients, services and healthcare professionals.
Read the experiences of dietitians working across a range of specialties and discover how independent prescribing could help improve patient care.
What these stories demonstrate
These case studies highlight several common themes:
- Delays in accessing treatment
- Additional administrative burden
- Inefficient use of specialist expertise
- Increased pressure on healthcare services
- Missed opportunities to deliver timely patient care
Read the case studies
These real-world examples show how current prescribing restrictions can create delays, additional administrative burden and barriers to patient care, even when a specialist dietitian has identified the appropriate treatment.
Emma identified the treatment a child needed, but prescribing restrictions meant it could not be provided immediately. Discover how independent prescribing could help reduce delays to care.
During a national medication shortage, Claire spent valuable clinical time preparing hundreds of management plans. Learn how independent prescribing could help keep dietitians focused on patient care.
After identifying the cause of a patient's debilitating symptoms, Christine faced delays in accessing treatment. Read how independent prescribing could improve the patient journey.
Grace and her patient agreed on the treatment required, but the patient left without a prescription due to sign-off requirements. Independent prescribing could help remove barriers like these.
A patient with kidney failure waited weeks to begin treatment while paperwork was completed. Find out how independent prescribing could help patients access medication sooner.
After a career as a community pharmacist, Imogen became a dietitian. She shares why she believes the profession is ready for independent prescribing responsibilities.
Sarah knew exactly what treatment her patient needed, yet still required another clinician's approval. Read why she believes dietitians should be able to prescribe independently.
Watch dietitians share their prescribing experiences
Dietitians from a range of specialties share their views on why independent prescribing matters. Watch their experiences and reflections below.