This study was done to investigate 5 years of the EC service with the aim to describe its use and investigate changes in the pattern of use over time.
Data consisted of the standardized clinical and demographic information, in the form of predefined service user responses, submitted for reimbursement by CPs (n=181 359).
An association was observed between the time since unprotected sexual intercourse and the day on which the service was accessed. Almost half of the requests were because no contraception had been used, with a strong and positive association for teenagers and women aged 40+ years. A statistically significant and increasing percentage of consultations were accompanied by further sexual health advice.
The study concluded through its findings that access to EC through CPs is contributing to reducing teenage conceptions and termination rates. However, the action is needed to increase contraception use in all age groups. Reduced availability of CP services on Sundays is a barrier to timely EC access. Findings support an expanded role for community pharmacists in the provision of regular contraception.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/45/4/275
