The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #70152

Donald F. Downing, BS Pharm, RPh, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, PO Box 357630, Seattle, WA 98195-7630, 253-593-0232 x474, dondown@u.washington.edu

Unintended pregnancies in Washington State have been significantly reduced, in part, because pharmacists have collaborated with other health care providers to increase access to contraceptive products and services. Under authority of a law passed in 1979 pharmacists in Washington State may initiate or modify drug therapy for patients using collaborative agreements signed by physicians or nurse practitioners. Using this authority, pharmacists are providing dramatically improved accessibility to emergency contraception and on-going hormonal contraception to thousands of women each year. Research has supported the safety and acceptability of the provision of hormonal contraceptives without pelvic and breast examinations. This report highlights some recent innovative practices in which pharmacies are the first stop for obtaining birth control pills and other hormonal contraception products. In this study, pharmacists provide women seeking on-going hormonal contraception with contraception information, a self-screening questionnaire and measure her blood pressure and weight. With satisfactory findings, women seeking prescriptive contraception are started on a method which may be maintained for up to one year without seeing a physician. Patients are encouraged to seek follow-up care with a medical provider and are offered referrals if needed. With enabling laws and research, pharmacist-provided contraception has met with very favorable responses in Washington State. Patients, pharmacists, medical providers and public and private insurers are embracing this innovative family planning delivery system. A viable, new contraceptive access point for patients has been developed. Other states should consider investigating this new model of contraceptive access.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to:
• 1)Identify common barriers to contraceptive access
• 2)Describe how pharmacists using collaborative agreements can improve patient access to emergency and on-going contraceptive services
• 3)Recognize the unique public health opportunities offered by pharmacists and how they eliminate barriers to contraceptive access

Keywords: Pharmacies, Contraception

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.