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Updated: Jun 19, 2026
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A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
Published on: November 9, 2016
Exploring emergency contraception knowledge among Florida pharmacy school students: a preliminary assessment
Alice R Richman1, Ellen M Daley
1Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA. arichman@email.unc.edu
Summary
Pharmacy schools report teaching emergency contraception (EC), but students feel inadequately informed and hesitant to dispense it. Further research is needed to improve EC education and practice.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Pharmaceutical Education
- Public Health
Background:
- The United States has high rates of unintended pregnancies, many preventable with emergency contraception (EC).
- Pharmacists are crucial for women's access to EC, whether over-the-counter or by prescription.
- Effective EC education within pharmacy curricula is vital for student preparedness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess if U.S. pharmacy schools teach emergency contraception (EC) in their classes.
- To evaluate how pharmacy students in Florida learn about EC.
- To identify potential gaps in EC knowledge and attitudes among future pharmacists.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods approach was utilized.
- Questionnaires were distributed to deans of 91 accredited U.S. pharmacy schools.
- Focus groups were conducted with pharmacy students from four accredited Florida schools.
Main Results:
- A discrepancy exists between reported school curricula and student learning experiences regarding EC.
- All surveyed schools reported teaching EC content.
- Most students reported learning about EC outside of formal classes, indicating potential knowledge gaps and biases against dispensing EC.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacy schools report teaching EC, yet students express feeling unprepared and hesitant to dispense it.
- Student knowledge about EC appears insufficient, with some holding biases.
- Further investigation into how educational strategies impact professional beliefs and EC dispensing practices is essential.
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