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Vander Steen G, Ropers J, Rousseau C, Joris A, Gilles C, Rozenberg S, Manigart Y. Pharmacist recommendations for emergency contraception in Belgium: a simulated user study. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2024; 29:177-181. [PMID: 38721704 DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2024.2345114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency contraception reduces the risk of unintended pregnancy, after unprotected sexual intercourse or contraceptive failure. In Belgium, emergency contraception is available without a prescription and pharmacists play therefore a crucial role in dispensing emergency contraception. AIM This study assesses the dispensing practices of emergency contraception by pharmacists in two regions of Belgium. METHOD AND DESIGN Simulated patient study, using a predefined scenario, evaluating a request for emergency contraception. The scenario involves a 25-year-old woman not using contraception, who had unprotected sexual intercourse 84 h (3.5 days) ago. Her last menstrual period was 10 days ago. POPULATION 260 pharmacies were randomly selected. Principal outcome: proportion of pharmacists who deliver the adequate emergency contraception. We considered the following responses as adequate: Prescribing ulipristal acetate or redirecting to another pharmacy, in case of unavailability, or referring for a copper IUD. RESULTS We analysed the data obtained in 216 pharmacies (216/260 = 83.1%). In 64% of cases, adequate dispensing of emergency contraception (dispensing of ulipristal acetate or referral for intrauterine device insertion) occurred. There was an association between correct dispensing and asking appropriate questions, such as the date of the last menstrual period and the date of the risky sexual intercourse. CONCLUSION More than one-third of visited pharmacies did not distribute appropriate emergency contraception, underlining the need for improvement. We hypothesise that this may be achieved with appropriate training, use a dispensing checklist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Vander Steen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Saint Pierre University Hospital 322, Brussels, Belgium
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)-Free University of Brussels (ULB-VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jeanne Ropers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Saint Pierre University Hospital 322, Brussels, Belgium
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)-Free University of Brussels (ULB-VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Rousseau
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Saint Pierre University Hospital 322, Brussels, Belgium
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)-Free University of Brussels (ULB-VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aurélie Joris
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Saint Pierre University Hospital 322, Brussels, Belgium
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)-Free University of Brussels (ULB-VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christine Gilles
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Saint Pierre University Hospital 322, Brussels, Belgium
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)-Free University of Brussels (ULB-VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Serge Rozenberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Saint Pierre University Hospital 322, Brussels, Belgium
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)-Free University of Brussels (ULB-VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yannick Manigart
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Saint Pierre University Hospital 322, Brussels, Belgium
- Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)-Free University of Brussels (ULB-VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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Langer B, Kunow C, Bolduan J, Sackmann L, Schreiter L, Schüler K, Ulrich M. Counselling with a focus on product and price transparency for over-the-counter headache medicines: A simulated patient study in community pharmacies in Munich, Germany. Int J Health Plann Manage 2024. [PMID: 38923139 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.3817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Germany, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines may only be dispensed by community pharmacies (CPs). German CPs must ensure 'adequate' counselling, including the cost of medicines. Along with information gathering and advice giving as classic aspects of counselling, the aim was also to investigate counselling indicators of product and price transparency. METHODS The cross-sectional study was based on the covert simulated patient (SP) methodology and was conducted in a random sample of CPs stratified by districts in the major German city of Munich. Each of the 178 selected CPs was visited once by one of five trained female students. They simulated a symptom-based sub-scenario 1 with a request for an OTC medicine for a headache and a sub-scenario 2 with standardised information regarding product and price transparency. The assessment, completed immediately postvisit by the SPs, included a total of 23 items. RESULTS All 178 scheduled visits were completed successfully. The median counselling score with the classic items was 3.0 out of 12 points (interquartile range [IQR] 4.25) and when expanded by items for product and price transparency the score was 4.0 out of 14 points (IQR 4.00). A selection of medicines was offered unsolicited in 38.2% of the visits and in 5.6% of the visits voluntary price information was provided before the transaction. A request for a cheaper medicine led to a significant price reduction (Wilcoxon signed-rank test; p < 0.001, r = 0.869). CONCLUSION Due to the below-average level of counselling, the regional chambers of pharmacists are recommended to initiate measures for improvement. There is also potential for optimisation with regard to product and price transparency as an important extension of the classic counselling aspects. It is therefore recommended that the government raise customers' awareness of the cost of medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Langer
- Department of Health, Nursing, Management, Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences, Neubrandenburg, Germany
| | - Christian Kunow
- Department of Health, Nursing, Management, Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences, Neubrandenburg, Germany
| | - Josephine Bolduan
- Department of Health, Nursing, Management, Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences, Neubrandenburg, Germany
| | - Lea Sackmann
- Department of Health, Nursing, Management, Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences, Neubrandenburg, Germany
| | - Laura Schreiter
- Department of Health, Nursing, Management, Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences, Neubrandenburg, Germany
| | - Katja Schüler
- Department of Health, Nursing, Management, Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences, Neubrandenburg, Germany
| | - Marie Ulrich
- Department of Health, Nursing, Management, Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences, Neubrandenburg, Germany
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Mill D, Johnson JL, Percival M, Lee K, Salter SM, D'Lima D, Seubert L, Clifford R, Page AT. Pharmacists' use of guidelines for the supply of non-prescription medicines: a cross-sectional survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2023; 31:478-488. [PMID: 37440321 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riad044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Guidelines support best practice for healthcare practice. In Australia, some non-prescription medicines are only accessible after consultation with a pharmacist and are known as Pharmacist Only medicines. Guidelines for providing some Pharmacist Only medicines are available, however, it is currently unknown if and how these guidelines are used in practice.The objective was to characterise pharmacists', intern pharmacists and pharmacy students' use of guidelines for Pharmacist Only medicines. METHODS A cross-sectional electronic survey of Australian registered pharmacists, intern pharmacists and pharmacy students was administered in July 2020. Questions explored the participants' use of Pharmacist Only medicine guidelines (available both in print and online; available online only) in the preceding 12 months. Data were analysed descriptively (i.e. frequencies, percentages). KEY FINDINGS In total, 574 eligible respondents completed the survey. Overall, 396 (69%) reported accessing the online and in-print guidelines in the previous 12 months with 185 (33%) accessing online-only guidelines. The guideline on emergency contraception was used the most out of all guidelines in the past 12 months (278, 48%). Overall, respondents reported accessing guidelines to update knowledge, check their practice reflected best practice and content familiarisation. Respondents' reasons for not accessing guidelines were due to respondents stating they did not need the information or that they had previously accessed the guidelines more than 12 months ago. These reasons varied between respondent groups. CONCLUSIONS Access and use of the Pharmacist Only medicines guidelines varied between pharmacists, interns and students. Further understanding of the influences of the use of these guidelines will help inform professional bodies on how best to develop guidelines to increase consistent use in practice and implement interventions to increase use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna Mill
- School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jacinta L Johnson
- UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- SA Pharmacy, SA Health, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Mia Percival
- IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kenneth Lee
- School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sandra M Salter
- School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Danielle D'Lima
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Centre for Behaviour Change, University College London, London, UK
| | - Liza Seubert
- School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rhonda Clifford
- School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Amy Theresa Page
- School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Lungfiel G, Mandlmeier F, Kunow C, Langer B. Oral emergency contraception practices of community pharmacies: a mystery caller study in the capital of Germany, Berlin. J Pharm Policy Pract 2023; 16:68. [PMID: 37237301 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-023-00565-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Germany, oral emergency contraception (EC) with the active ingredients levonorgestrel (LNG) and ulipristal acetate (UPA) is available as over-the-counter (OTC) medicine only from community pharmacies (CPs). Because of the window of effect, which is limited to only a few days, CPs have a great responsibility to provide rapid and unimpeded access, while also ensuring "adequate" counseling. The aim was-for the first time in Europe and thus also in Germany for the methodology used in this study-to investigate immediate availability, pricing, and aspects of counseling. METHODS Covert mystery calls were conducted in a random sample of CPs stratified by districts in the German capital Berlin. Each of the 263 CPs included was called once at random by one of two trained female student mystery callers. They simulated a product-based scenario for the UPA original ellaOne®, citing a contraceptive failure one day ago as the reason. RESULTS Of 257 successfully called CPs, UPA preparations were immediately available in 98.4% (253/257) and LNG preparations in 86.8% (184/212) of CPs. Prices for UPA preparations varied from €15.95 to €42.95 (∆ 169%; median €35.00 [interquartile range (IQR) €5.91]) and for LNG preparations from €10.60 to €32.49 (Δ 207%; median €22.00 [IQR €5.76]). Information about the correct different window of effect of UPA and LNG preparations was provided in 69.8% (127/182) of CPs. UPA preparations were recommended in 63.1% (111/176) and LNG preparations in 17.2% (30/174) of CPs. Information was provided on how to take them as soon as possible in 30.8% (44/143) of CPs and on how to use them after vomiting in 46.0% (64/139). CONCLUSIONS Berlin CPs support access through high immediate availability, especially to UPA preparations. However, access is hampered by high absolute price ranges of both UPA and LNG preparations, which could ideally be minimized by a comparison app. It is positive that CPs promote the benefits of UPA preparations by recommending them noticeably more often than LNG preparations. However, there are deficiencies in giving advice, so there is a need to raise awareness among pharmacy staff to ensure "adequate" counseling in advance over the phone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwenda Lungfiel
- Department of Health, Nursing, Management, University of Applied Sciences Neubrandenburg, Neubrandenburg, Germany
| | - Franca Mandlmeier
- Department of Health, Nursing, Management, University of Applied Sciences Neubrandenburg, Neubrandenburg, Germany
| | - Christian Kunow
- Department of Health, Nursing, Management, University of Applied Sciences Neubrandenburg, Neubrandenburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Langer
- Department of Health, Nursing, Management, University of Applied Sciences Neubrandenburg, Neubrandenburg, Germany.
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Ceulemans M, Brughmans M, Poortmans LL, Spreuwers E, Willekens J, Roose N, De Wulf I, Foulon V. Development and Pilot Testing of a Dispensing Protocol on Emergency Contraceptive Pills for Community Pharmacists in Belgium. PHARMACY 2022; 10:pharmacy10030058. [PMID: 35736773 PMCID: PMC9228420 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy10030058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Community pharmacists in Belgium frequently dispense emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs). However, variable and insufficient counseling practices exist across pharmacies, highlighting the need for standardization and quality improvement strategies. The aim of this project was to develop and test an ECP dispensing protocol for pharmacists. An ‘experience-based’ co-design approach involving academic and practicing pharmacists was applied, followed by a 4-month test period and interviews to assess users’ experiences. In total, eight geographically dispersed pharmacies participated. Pharmacists (n = 15) reached a consensus on most items to be included in the protocol, which was subsequently tested in seven pharmacies, with overall 97 registered ECP conversations. Pharmacists considered the protocol complete but felt that not all items should be mentioned/questioned during all conversations. They suggested only subtle modifications to be made prior to delivering a final protocol ready for nationwide distribution. Despite attributing positive effects to having a protocol, no single pharmacist ‘actively’ used it at-the-counter but used it instead as a ‘checklist’ after the encounter. Pharmacists found that the paper-based format of the protocol hindered protocol-based dispensing. Future research is needed to provide evidence on the actual benefits of protocol application, as well as to identify factors influencing the implementation of ECP dispensing using a software-integrated protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ceulemans
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (N.R.); (V.F.)
- Teratology Information Service, Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb, 5237 MH Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
- L-C&Y, Child and Youth Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-16-37-72-27
| | - Marieke Brughmans
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.B.); (L.-L.P.); (E.S.); (J.W.)
| | - Laura-Lien Poortmans
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.B.); (L.-L.P.); (E.S.); (J.W.)
| | - Ellen Spreuwers
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.B.); (L.-L.P.); (E.S.); (J.W.)
| | - Julie Willekens
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.B.); (L.-L.P.); (E.S.); (J.W.)
| | - Nele Roose
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (N.R.); (V.F.)
| | | | - Veerle Foulon
- Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (N.R.); (V.F.)
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The Quality of Counseling for Headache OTC Medications in German Community Pharmacies Using a Simulated Patient Approach: Are There Differences between Self-Purchase and Purchase for a Third Party? ScientificWorldJournal 2022; 2022:5851117. [PMID: 35370483 PMCID: PMC8967581 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5851117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Germany—as worldwide—headache is one of the most frequent causes of self-medication. The dispensing of over-the-counter (OTC) medications may only be carried out by community pharmacies (CPs). In doing so, CPs have to ensure “adequate” counseling, for both self-purchase and purchase for a third party, which also occurs in everyday pharmacy practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of counseling for headache OTC medications in German CPs and, as the first study worldwide, to analyze whether and to what extent there are differences in counseling between self-purchase and purchase for a third party. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out using the covert simulated patient methodology (SPM) in all 42 CPs in the German big city Potsdam. With the help of 8 trained simulated patients (SPs), each CP was visited four times by a different SP. The SPs simulated in each CP two scenarios two times with the demand for an OTC medication against headache, which differed only in whether the demand was for themselves or for their boyfriend/girlfriend. Results All 168 planned pharmacy visits (84 visits per scenario) were successfully carried out. Overall, the median counseling score was 3.0 out of 9 points (interquartile range [IQR 2.0]). There were no significant differences between the two scenarios (Wilcoxon signed-rank test; p=0.495, r = 0.053). In a multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, the counseling level and the different scenarios were not significantly associated (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.635, 95% CI = 0.673–3.972, p=0.278). Conclusions Due to the partly considerable deficits in counseling of German CPs, policy-makers and the regional chambers of pharmacists are called upon to take appropriate measures to improve the quality of counseling. It is positive that no differences in counseling between self-purchase and purchase for a third party were found, but further verifying studies with a modified methodology are recommended.
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A Nationwide Mystery Caller Evaluation of Oral Emergency Contraception Practices from German Community Pharmacies: An Observational Study Protocol. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9080945. [PMID: 34442082 PMCID: PMC8391881 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9080945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To prevent unwanted pregnancies, oral emergency contraception (EC) with the active ingredients levonorgestrel (LNG) and ulipristal acetate (UPA) is recommended by the guidelines of the German Federal Chamber of Pharmacists (BAK). In this respect, community pharmacies (CPs) in Germany have a major responsibility for information gathering, selecting the appropriate medicine, availability and pricing, among other things. Therefore, it would be appropriate to conduct a study with the aim of investigating information gathering, a possible recommendation as well as availability and pricing for oral EC in German CPs. A representative nationwide observational study based on the simulated patient methodology (SPM) in the form of covert mystery calls will be conducted in a random sample of German CPs stratified according to the 16 federal states. Each selected CP will be randomly called once successfully by one of six both female and male trained mystery callers (MCs). The MCs will simulate a product-based scenario using the request for oral EC. For quality assurance of the data collection, a second observer accompanying the MC is planned. After all mystery calls have been made, each CP will receive written, pharmacy-specific performance feedback. The only national SPM study on oral EC to date has identified deficits in the provision of self-medication consultations with the help of visits in the CPs studied. International studies suggest that UPA in particular is not always available. Significant price differences could be found analogous to another German study for a different indication.
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Martínez-Galiano JM, Delgado-Rodríguez M. The Relegated Goal of Health Institutions: Sexual and Reproductive Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041767. [PMID: 33670320 PMCID: PMC7918204 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Miguel Martínez-Galiano
- Department of Nursing, University of Jaen, 23071 Jaén, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Correspondence:
| | - Miguel Delgado-Rodríguez
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Jaen, 23071 Jaén, Spain
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