Patients' Perceptions of Pharmacist Prescribing for Minor Ailments and Contraception in British Columbia, Canada

Scope of practice for pharmacists in Canada has expanded to include prescribing for minor ailments and conditions (MAC). In June 2023, the province of British Columbia (BC), Canada introduced pharmacist prescribing for 21 common MAC, as well as contraception. The objective of this study is to ascertain patients' perspectives regarding pharmacist prescribing and evaluate their experiences with accessing the pharmacist prescribing for MAC/contraception service.

This was a prospective, cross-sectional study that utilized an anonymous, online survey. The intended population was residents of bc 18 years of age and older. The survey included 34 questions in three sections: demographics, general perceptions of pharmacist prescribing, and experience with accessing the pharmacist prescribing for MAC/contraception service. Pharmacists or student pharmacists, or those who resided with one, were excluded.

Two hundred and seven respondents submitted the survey. Fifty-eight percent of patients were less than 50 years of age and 77% were women. Results indicated that respondents recognized pharmacists' medication expertise and trusted their ability to maintain confidentiality. Respondents were in favor of pharmacists' authority to change a prescription (e.g., due to an interaction), while most disagreed that only doctors should write or modify prescriptions. Respondents agreed that pharmacists should have additional authority, such as the ability to order laboratory tests or refer patients to specialists. A majority of respondents (181/204, 89%) were aware that pharmacists can safely and effectively prescribe for MAC/contraception. Thirty-seven percent (76/207) of respondents had accessed the pharmacist prescribing for MAC service. Of those, 67% (51/76) received a prescription and did not require follow-up with another health care professional after seeing the pharmacist.

Respondents demonstrated trust in pharmacists' knowledge of medications and competency when prescribing for a MAC or contraception. Most respondents were able to get a prescription from a pharmacist without the need to access additional health care resources.