Medication Management in Lactation-A Pharmacist Education Pilot Project: Part one survey

Pharmacists as the most accessible health professionals can serve as an important resource on medication safety for breastfeeding women. Previous research suggests that a barrier to pharmacists providing optimal pharmaceutical care for this population is a lack of knowledge.

To evaluate pharmacist perceptions and barriers related to medication management of patients who are breastfeeding.

A 25-question electronic survey was distributed via e-mail list servers to members of state pharmacy organizations. Pharmacists were queried on the importance of breastfeeding, barriers to pharmaceutical care, comfort level in making pharmacotherapy recommendations, adequacy of pharmacy school's curriculum, breastfeeding resources used, and need for continuing pharmacy education regarding medication use during breastfeeding.

Pharmacists from all geographic regions of the United States and diverse practice settings agreed to participate in the survey (N = 197). Most pharmacists reported feeling somewhat or extremely comfortable making recommendations and counseling breastfeeding patients on over-the-counter (102 of 187, 55%) and prescription medications (110 of 187, 59%). In contrast, 66% (123 of 187) reported feeling somewhat or extremely uncomfortable making recommendations and counseling on the use of herbal supplements in breastfeeding. Notably, 95% of pharmacists (171 of 180) responded that there is an unmet need for continuing pharmacy education on medication use in lactation.

Pharmacists are generally uncomfortable when making recommendations and counseling breastfeeding patients on herbal and other supplements. Most pharmacists agree that there is a lack of available continuing pharmacy education on breastfeeding.