Table 3 Key topics and summary statements

Role of NPs and prescribing practices

Nurse prescribing is at various stages of development across jurisdictions in terms of; training, prescribing autonomy and scope of practice

The importance of prescribing legislation

There is a direct relationship with passing legislation to allow nurse prescribing of MOUD and increasing access to, and increasing numbers in MOUD treatment

Underserved regions: access, support and needs

Where there are more nurse prescribers, people living in rural areas and those receiving state-supported care are more likely to access MOUD treatment

Importance of practice and institutional support

Access to institutional support and education for nurse prescribers will increase the numbers of prescribing nurses

External factors influencing NP uptake

There is higher NP uptake in areas where there is; pro-social messaging from recruiters, already high numbers of NPs, and greater practitioner autonomy [i.e., no medical oversight]

Barriers to uptake of MOUD; NP’s perceptions of people who are dependent on opiates

Negative attitudes of prescribers towards people who are dependent on opiates and social stigma. Perceived complexity, e.g., chronic health issues, risk of violence, drug use and diversion of prescribed medication