Prescription of Medications by Nurses: Impacts on the Quality of Care and Healthcare Service Efficiency

Abstract

The Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) faces significant challenges related to service overload and the shortage of medical professionals, especially in Primary Health Care. In this context, the role of nurses—including nursing consultations and medication prescription—emerges as a strategy to expand access, improve problem-solving capacity, and enhance service efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of medication prescription by nurses and its impact on care quality and SUS efficiency. It is an integrative literature review conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and based on studies from the BVS and SciELO databases, focusing on publications from 2005 to 2025, in Portuguese. A total of 7,096 studies were initially identified, of which only 7 met all inclusion criteria. The findings suggest that nurse-led prescription is a legally supported practice based on clinical protocols, contributing to increased access, greater professional autonomy, reduced medical demand, and improved continuity of care. However, challenges remain, such as professional insecurity, resistance from other health professionals, and limitations in training and institutional support. It is concluded that medication prescription by nurses is an effective practice that strengthens Primary Health Care and contributes to a more efficient and equitable SUS. Investment in training, appropriate regulation, and further studies on its practical impact are essential.