Sally Rafie1, Nicole E Cieri-Hutcherson2, Tracy R Frame3, Brooke Griffin4, John Brock Harris5, Cheryl Horlen6, Kayce Shealy7, Amy Buros Stein8, Rebecca H Stone9, Kathleen Vest10, Sarah Westberg11, Abigail M Yancey12. 1. Department of Pharmacy, 8784UC San Diego Health, San Diego, CA, USA. 2. Department of Pharmacy Practice, University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Buffalo, NY, USA. 3. Pharmacy Practice Department, 5715Belmont University College of Pharmacy, Nashville, TN, USA. 4. Chicago College of Pharmacy, 3541Midwestern University, Mt Sinai Medical Group, Downers Grove, IL, USA. 5. Department of Pediatrics & Neonatology, 15543Wingate University School of Pharmacy, Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital, Wingate, NC, USA. 6. 7079University of the Incarnate Word, Feik School of Pharmacy, San Antonio, TX, USA. 7. 219251Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy, Clinton, SC, USA. 8. Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, 3541Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, USA. 9. Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, Mercy Health Center, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Athens, GA, USA. 10. Chicago College of Pharmacy, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL, USA. 11. College of Pharmacy, 5635University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA. 12. St Louis College of Pharmacy, SSM Health St. Mary's Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, St. Louis, MO, USA.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Pharmacist prescribing of contraception is becoming increasingly available in selected states. The objective of this study was to assess US community pharmacists' perspectives on expanding access, barriers, and facilitators since states have begun pharmacist scope of practice expansions for prescribing contraception. METHODS: A survey study of US community pharmacists' support for expanded access models, pharmacist prescribing practices and interest, and importance of safety, cost, and professional practice issues for prescribing was conducted. RESULTS: Pharmacists are generally supportive of pharmacist prescribing and behind-the-counter models for hormonal contraception and generally opposed to over-the-counter access. A majority (65%) are interested in prescribing hormonal contraception. The top motivation for prescribing contraception is enjoying individual patient contact (94%). Safety concerns (eg, patients not obtaining health screenings) remained most important for pharmacist implementation, followed by cost (eg, lack of payment or reimbursement for pharmacists' services), and professional practice (eg, pharmacist time constraints and liability) issues. CONCLUSION: This study provides an updated understanding of attitudes toward models of expanded access to hormonal contraception, interest in prescribing, and barriers and facilitators to this service among community pharmacists. Many barriers such as time and reimbursement remain unchanged. This information can inform policy and implementation efforts.
INTRODUCTION: Pharmacist prescribing of contraception is becoming increasingly available in selected states. The objective of this study was to assess US community pharmacists' perspectives on expanding access, barriers, and facilitators since states have begun pharmacist scope of practice expansions for prescribing contraception. METHODS: A survey study of US community pharmacists' support for expanded access models, pharmacist prescribing practices and interest, and importance of safety, cost, and professional practice issues for prescribing was conducted. RESULTS: Pharmacists are generally supportive of pharmacist prescribing and behind-the-counter models for hormonal contraception and generally opposed to over-the-counter access. A majority (65%) are interested in prescribing hormonal contraception. The top motivation for prescribing contraception is enjoying individual patient contact (94%). Safety concerns (eg, patients not obtaining health screenings) remained most important for pharmacist implementation, followed by cost (eg, lack of payment or reimbursement for pharmacists' services), and professional practice (eg, pharmacist time constraints and liability) issues. CONCLUSION: This study provides an updated understanding of attitudes toward models of expanded access to hormonal contraception, interest in prescribing, and barriers and facilitators to this service among community pharmacists. Many barriers such as time and reimbursement remain unchanged. This information can inform policy and implementation efforts.
Entities:
Keywords:
community pharmacy services; contraception; pharmacies; pharmacists; pharmacy legislation