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Objectives
We sought to explore the readiness of pharmacists to fill prescriptions for mifepristone
should Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy regulations allow for pharmacy dispensing.
Methods
Interviews were conducted by phone or Zoom with 21 pharmacists in nine states between
June and December 2021 to explore their knowledge about misoprostol and mifepristone,
their comfort with dispensing both medications; and to explore resources needed to
dispense mifepristone. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, verified, and coded
using Dedoose. We identified key themes through content analysis.
Results
Participants had backgrounds in a range of pharmacy settings. Nearly all participants
reported that they would be comfortable dispensing mifepristone directly to patients,
noting that pharmacists commonly dispense complex medications and have tools to self-educate
about newly available medications. In general, participants felt coworkers and employers
would support pharmacy dispensing of mifepristone, but cited concerns that some may
refuse based on individual beliefs and that pharmacies may hesitate to dispense if
they face community backlash. However, some participants also observed that pharmacists
often are not given information about the reason a patient was prescribed mifepristone.
Most participants would welcome training on mifepristone in the form of reading materials
or educational webinars. Suggested topics for training included drug side effects
and interactions as well as patient counseling.
Conclusions
Pharmacists would be comfortable dispensing mifepristone with minimal training if
certified to do so. Although participants identified peer-level and employer-level
barriers to dispensing mifepristone, they believed overall that their colleagues and
employers would be supportive of pharmacy dispensing.
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Copyright
© 2022 Published by Elsevier Inc.
