An example of using a decision making framework designed for non-medical prescribers as a method for enhancing prescribing safety for inhaled corticosteroids (ICS)

Non-medical prescribing is needed especially with the increased demand for health care and the physicians’ time constrains. Also, it is not well regulated in Saudi Arabia unlike the United Kingdom. This report aims to demonstrate the urged need for regulations to maintain a safe non-medical prescribing process. It also adapts the single competency framework provided by the United Kingdom national prescribing centre (NPC, 2012) to be utilised by the respiratory therapist for a safe prescribing process for inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) to control adult asthma as an example. The framework is thought to be an effective tool for safe non-medical prescribing and it is highly recommended to develop a national Saudi framework to maintain the patients’ safety and utilise resources.