A mystery caller evaluation of emergency contraception supply practices in community pharmacies in Victoria, Australia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine supply practices of Victorian community pharmacies in relation to the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP), following release of an updated guideline by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. Telephone call scripts were developed for three scenarios in which the ECP was requested: outside the licensed 72-h time frame (Scenario 1); by a woman under 16 years (Scenario 2); and for future use (Scenario 3). From 1222 pharmacies, 515 were randomly selected and allocated into three groups: 177 to Scenario 1 and 169 to each of Scenarios 2 and 3. Pharmacists' responses were categorised as 'yes', 'no' or 'ambiguous' and descriptive statistics were calculated. The results are as follows. Scenario 1: over half (55.4%; 92/166) declined supply and most referred to the doctor, citing the time frame or the ECP as no longer being effective reasons. Decreased effectiveness was readily discussed among those willing to supply. Scenario 2: more than half (53.9%, 89/165) agreed to supply, assessing the request against eligibility criteria outlined in the guideline; however, 5.6% (5/89) were only willing if the woman obtained a doctor's prescription or recommendation. Scenario 3: less than half (40.5%; 66/163) declined supply, mainly due to no therapeutic need. Only four respondents willing to give the ECP knew that supply was bona fide. In conclusion, pharmacists' practices are variable and not always in line with the recommendations of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia guideline. Pharmacists' awareness of the guideline needs to be raised so women can unobtrusively access the ECP.