Advance provision of emergency contraception through Family Planning
Clinics: a feasibility study
A. Kasliwal (1), J. Whitmore (2)
Palatine Centre, Manchester, UK (1); St Helens Primary Care Trust,
Merseyside, UK (2)
Background: Oral Emergency Contraception (EC) is safe and effective.
The earlier treatment is started after the episode of risk, the more effective
it is likely to be. However, current organisation of family planning services
limits access to EC out of hours, on weekends and holidays. Access has improved
with pharmacy provision without prescription, but it is unlikely to meet the
total contraceptive and sexual health needs of clients. Community based
specialist family planning services are well placed to offer advance provision
of EC along with the package of future contraceptive and sexual health advice.
Aims: This study explored client perspectives, staff attitudes,
purchaser and manager opinion about introducing advance prescribing of EC (AEC)
into a community family planning service.
Methodology: Clients’ views were obtained by anonymous,
self-administered waiting room questionnaires. Staff attitudes were determined
by confidential, postal questionnaires. Key management personnel were
interviewed.
Results: Vast majority of clients (88%) would be willing to take AEC
if offered. A quarter of the responding clients (23%) had concerns regarding ‘misuse’
and safety of AEC. Of the 64.4% responders to the staff questionnaires, 92% were
willing to provide AEC. The rest were unsure, but would give AEC under clear
guidelines. The senior clinical managerial staff was supportive but funding
emerged as the main problem.
Conclusions: The introduction of provision of AEC through the
community family planning clinics was well supported by clients and staff.
Counselling of clients regarding regular and effective contraceptive methods is
essential. Funding is the main barrier to introduction of AEC.
