Researchers conducted this study to assess the extent to which the FFPRHC Guidance is being followed in general practice, an audit of the medical notes of women requesting EC between January 2003 and December 2004 in six general practice surgeries located in the West Midlands and the UK was conducted. From the medical notes, discussions between health care professionals and patients requesting EC regarding ongoing contraceptive needs, the risk of STIs, and the availability of the emergency IUD were recorded.
A total of 718 emergency contraceptive pill consultations were analyzed. The median age for the presentation was 24 years. The 20–24 years age group accounted for the most consultations. In 40% of talks, there was no evidence of future contraceptive needs having been discussed. Only 20 consultation notes contained evidence that STIs had been discussed. Chlamydia tests were undertaken in only 15/718 consultations. In only 10 of the talks, the IUD was concerned with the patient as an EC alternative.
This study concluded that the FFPRHC Guidance on EC is not being followed in general practice, and therefore patients requesting EC may not be receiving the highest standard of care.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/33/3/195
