Supporting Pharmacists with Legislative Changes: Pharmacist Knowledge and Comfort with Contraception Prescribing

BackgroundDue to contraceptive access scarcity and other variables, the U.S. exhibits high rates of unintended pregnancy, and Healthy People 2030 has a goal to address this through increased use of birth control. In 2023, Indiana passed legislation allowing pharmacists to prescribe self-administered contraception. Uptake of pharmacist contraceptive prescribing has been limited, and many states are not utilizing this opportunity to advance reproductive equity. We aimed to address significant gaps in literature assessing pharmacists' comfortability and knowledge regarding the implementation and utilization of this protocol.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate pharmacists' comfort and knowledge level before and after a formal education program on conducting contraceptive care via a pharmacist-driven protocol.MethodsThis was a retrospective, cohort study conducted at a safety-net, academic medical center in Indianapolis, Indiana. A formal education program with associated pharmacist surveys took place over two training sessions in November and December 2023.ResultsA total of 30 paired pre- and post-pharmacist surveys were included in analysis (63% response rate). The median [IQR] composite score (knowledge and comfort level) increased pre- vs post-survey from 38 [34,57] to 86 [81,91] (P < .001). Overall correct median [IQR] knowledge scores increased from 40% [40,50] to 70% [60,80] (P < .001). Overall median [IQR] comfort level scores increased from 36% [27,68] to 95% [86 100] (P < .001).ConclusionFollowing completion of a formal education program, pharmacists demonstrated an increase in knowledge and comfort level with prescribing contraception. Intentional training opportunities should be provided to pharmacists prior to implementation. Other health-systems could benefit from offering a similar program.