California pharmacy student perceptions of confidence and curricular education to provide direct pharmacy access to hormonal contraception

Authors

  • Sally Rafie Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego
  • Shareen Y El-Ibiary Midwestern University, College of Pharmacy-Glendale, Arizona

Keywords:

Hormonal Contraception, Pharmacy Access, Pharmacy Curriculum, Pharmacy Students

Abstract

Background: Pharmacist provision of reproductive health services has grown drastically and is being expanded to include direct pharmacy access to hormonal contraception (HC).  

Aims: Assess pharmacy students’ perceptions of confidence and curricular education to provide pharmacy access to HC in their near future practices.

Method: An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was administered to California pharmacy students who had completed their therapeutics curriculum but had not begun advanced pharmacy practice experiences.   

Results:  Over 65% of pharmacy students felt they have been adequately educated by their curricula to prescribe HC. Almost all reported they would like more education on appropriate product selection and switching between products. Students had the least confidence in safely prescribing HC for minors.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates pharmacy students’ educational needs relating to the future provision of HC services. Schools should evaluate curricula and possibly expand training in family planning due the growing interest and need in providing these services.


Author Biographies

Sally Rafie, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego

Assistant Clinical Professor, Health Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Shareen Y El-Ibiary, Midwestern University, College of Pharmacy-Glendale, Arizona

Professor, Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy-Glendale

References

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Rafie, S. & El-Ibiary, S.Y. (2011) Student pharmacist perspectives on providing pharmacy-access hormonal contraception services. Journal of American Pharmacists Association, 51, 762-5.

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Published

01-01-2014

How to Cite

Rafie, S., & El-Ibiary, S. Y. (2014). California pharmacy student perceptions of confidence and curricular education to provide direct pharmacy access to hormonal contraception. Pharmacy Education, 14. Retrieved from https://pharmacyeducation.fip.org/pharmacyeducation/article/view/185

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Section

Research Article