Characteristics of prescribing activity within primary care in Scotland 2013-2022 of general practitioners, nurse, pharmacist and allied health prescribers: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

There is a growing contribution of nurse independent prescriber activity within primary care although still a relatively small proportion compared to medical practitioners. The pattern of increased prescribing of medications for long term and chronic conditions such as proton pump inhibitors by all prescribers is suggestive of multi-disciplinary professionals supporting increased patient demand. This study provides a baseline to evaluate current service provision in further research and enable professional, service and policy development.