Determining user implementation needs for pharmacist-prescribed contraception using concept mapping: A participatory,...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Practice
• Reproductive Health
• Implementation Science

Background:

• Community pharmacists in 29 states and D.C. can prescribe hormonal contraceptives as of October 2024.
• Pharmacists report significant challenges and barriers in implementing these contraceptive services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify essential resources for facilitating the implementation of pharmacist-prescribed contraceptive services.
• To gather insights from diverse stakeholders, including end-users and decision-makers.

Main Methods:

• Concept mapping was employed, involving multi-stakeholder focus groups and an online survey.
• Participants generated and rated ideas for resources based on importance and feasibility.
• Multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis were used to group similar ideas, creating a cluster map.

Main Results:

• Forty-six unique statements were generated, forming four key clusters: implementation guidance, marketing, billing/payment, and appointment management.
• The most actionable ideas, rated highly for importance and feasibility, were concentrated in implementation guidance and appointment management clusters.
• A 'go-zone' map identified the most actionable strategies for resource development.

Conclusions:

• Stakeholders require targeted guidance on implementation, marketing, billing, and appointment management for contraceptive services.
• Dedicated resources are crucial for developing tools and solutions to enhance community pharmacy capacity in meeting patient contraceptive needs.
• Addressing these identified needs will improve patient access to hormonal contraceptives through community pharmacies.