California pharmacy student perceptions of confidence and curricular education to provide direct pharmacy access to hormonal contraception
Keywords:
Hormonal Contraception, Pharmacy Access, Pharmacy Curriculum, Pharmacy StudentsAbstract
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.
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