Community pharmacists providing emergency contraception give little advice about future contraceptive use: a mystery shopper study
Received 26 April 2010; received in revised form 6 May 2010; accepted 10 May 2010. published online 23 July 2010. Corrected Proof
Abstract
Background
UK women increasingly prefer to attend a pharmacy for emergency contraception (EC) rather than a doctor. Most women who use EC do not conceive and remain at risk of pregnancy unless they start regular contraception. We undertook a study to evaluate the quality of service provision in community pharmacies in Lothian, Scotland, and to determine what advice is given about contraception after EC use.
Study Design
Mystery shopper study.
Results
EC was unobtainable from 5/40 pharmacies (12.5%), refused because of “contraindications” in 7 (17.5%) and offered in 28 (70%). Most pharmacists appeared nonjudgemental, over 75% asked appropriate questions about eligibility, and over 90% gave appropriate advice about use. EC was universally refused beyond 72 h after sex but universally provided when the date of the last menstrual period was uncertain. Ongoing contraception after EC use was discussed in only 32.5% of all pharmacies and only 43% of those issuing EC.
Conclusions
The quality of consultations for EC in pharmacies is generally good but only a minority discuss ongoing contraception after EC use. The implications for contraceptive use and unintended pregnancy rates are worrying.
ABSTRACT