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Emergency hormonal contraception: the community pharmacy perspective.
E M Seston1, K Holden, J Cantrill
1Drug Usage and Pharmacy Practice Group, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK. liz.seston@man.ac.uk
The Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care
|November 30, 2002
Summary
Community pharmacists in England have mixed views on emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) deregulation, often due to misunderstandings about its effects and potential risks. Training is needed to address these concerns and support wider EHC access.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy Practice
- Reproductive Health
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- Community pharmacists' perspectives on emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) are crucial for policy development.
- Deregulation of EHC aims to increase accessibility, but pharmacist attitudes may influence implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore community pharmacists' views on the deregulation of EHC in North West England.
- To identify pharmacists' support and training needs regarding EHC supply.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study utilizing two focus group discussions.
- Involved fourteen community pharmacists, including eight currently supplying EHC via a patient group direction (PGD).
Main Results:
- Pharmacists' views on EHC deregulation were influenced by a lack of detailed knowledge and misunderstandings regarding its mode of action and adverse effects.
- Concerns about potential litigation and a perceived 'special status' of EHC, including issues of 'abuse' (frequent or multiple use), were prominent themes.
- Pharmacists supplying EHC under a PGD reported no instances of the 'abuse' they perceived.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacist attitudes towards EHC deregulation are shaped by knowledge gaps and misconceptions.
- Further education and training are essential to address these concerns and support pharmacists in providing EHC.
- Understanding these views is vital for assessing the impact of increased EHC availability and informing future healthcare strategies.