Kentucky pharmacists' perceptions regarding provision of hormonal contraception

Although Kentucky pharmacists recently gained authority to provide protocol-driven care for 13 conditions, provision of prescription hormonal contraception (HC) services is not currently authorized. A board-approved protocol allowing for provision of nonprescription over-the-counter (OTC) emergency contraception (EC) was recently approved by the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy but has yet to be implemented.

The objectives of this study were (1) to assess Kentucky pharmacists' interest in providing prescription HC and OTC EC services via protocol and (2) to identify perceived benefits/barriers regarding provision of prescription HC.

An online questionnaire was disseminated electronically to a convenience sample of Kentucky pharmacists. The questionnaire collected (1) demographic information, (2) opinions regarding provision of prescription HC and OTC EC, and (3) perceived benefits and barriers regarding provision of prescription HC. For analysis, responses were limited to pharmacists in community-based practice. McNemar's test was used to identify statistically significant differences in support by dosage form. In addition, a multivariable logistic regression model was used to examine associations between demographic factors and support for pharmacist provision of prescription HC.

We received 151 responses from community-based pharmacists. Support for provision of prescription HC was highest for oral (61%) and transdermal (54%) forms. We found no statistically significant differences in support among demographic factors other than number of years in practice, with more recent graduates being at higher odds of support. In addition, time, reimbursement, training, and belief in the need for pelvic exams were the most commonly cited barriers to implementation. With regard to OTC EC provision, pharmacists were largely supportive (62%) and confident in their abilities.

Community-based pharmacists in Kentucky are supportive of provision of oral, vaginal, and transdermal prescription HC as well as OTC EC via protocol. Barriers, including time, reimbursement, training, and belief in the need for pelvic exams, should be addressed to increase support for prescription HC provision.