■ Disagreement regarding diagnosis ■ Preference for alternative treatment options ■ Concerns about side-effects ■ Parents’ beliefs regarding medication ■ Parents’ own experiences of mental health ■ Stigma around mental health. Lazaratou et al (2007), using a 20-item questionnaire on 140 parents at the first point of contact, reported that parents are generally more fearful of psychiatric medication compared with other types of medication, and that parents place greater value on non-pharmacological treatment options. The children of these parents were aged 6–12 years. YW has more frequent contact with patients than other members of the team and, therefore, is often well-placed to assess and prescribe medication. In a study by McCann and Clark (2008), levels of engagement and concordance to medication were improved when the medication was prescribed by nurses compared to doctors. YW’s practice also covers out-of-hours care; therefore, being an independent prescriber enhances the provision of holistic services at these times and provides greater patient choice (Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), 2006).