Pharmacists’ Perceptions, Barriers, and Potential Solutions to Implementing a Direct Pharmacy Access Policy in Indiana

Abstract

This study assessed pharmacists’ perceptions, barriers, and potential solutions for implementing a policy allowing pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraceptives in Indiana. A mixed-method survey ( n = 131, 22.3% response rate), using Likert-type scales, dichotomous responses (yes/no), and open-ended questions, was distributed to pharmacy preceptors in Indiana. Pharmacists felt prescribing contraceptives would be beneficial (79.1%) and were interested in providing this service (76.0%), but only 35.6% reported having the necessary resources. Participants with a PharmD were significantly more likely to feel the service would be beneficial (odds ratio [ OR] = 10.360, 95% confidence interval [CI: 1.679, 63.939]) and be interested in prescribing contraceptives ( OR = 9.069, 95% CI [1.456, 56.485]). Reimbursement (86.4%), training courses (84.7%), private counseling rooms (69.5%), and increasing technician responsibilities (52.5%) were identified as ways to ease implementation. Women had significantly greater odds of being more comfortable than men prescribing injections ( OR = 2.237, 95% CI [1.086, 4.605]), and intravaginal rings ( OR = 2.215, 95% CI [1.066, 4.604]), when controlling for age, degree, and setting. Qualitative findings reinforced quantitative findings.