Researchers conducted this study to describe the provision of emergency contraception and confidentiality for the under 16’s by general practitioners (GPs) in Avon to inform the development of a health promotion intervention in schools in Avon.
The study design was a confidential postal questionnaire survey.
The study setting was all principals in general practice in Avon Health Authority, South West England.
The subjects were Five hundred and eighty general practice principals who were sent the questionnaire.
Four hundred and eighty-six (84%) principals in general practice responded to the questionnaire. Practice nurses in 26 (5%) of the respondent’s practices were available to provide advice and tablets for patients requesting hormonal emergency contraception. However, 74 (21%) respondents employed a family planning trained practice nurse who was not involved in any way in the provision of emergency contraception. Practice nurses remain an underused resource in this area.
The study concluded that most GPs provide hormonal emergency contraception. Only eight (1.6%) respondents would need to ask for parental consent before giving hormonal emergency contraception to a 14-year old girl. Young people need to be informed of GPs’ widespread adherence to current confidentiality guidelines.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/27/4/193
