Accessibility of Pharmacists Who Can Prescribe Hormonal Contraceptives Can Lessen the Burden Felt by the Increasing Shortage of OB-GYNs in Major Metropolitan Areas

Publication Date

12-1-2024

Description

Across the nation, shortages of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (OB-GYNs) and changes in legislation have resulted in decreased access to reproductive healthcare.1 Previous research2,3 identified the 33 US states in which pharmacists receive training and education to safely provide hormonal birth control to eligible patients in community pharmacies and clinics, thus providing a resource to patients who may otherwise be unable to access contraceptives. This study aimed to build upon research by more closely identifying the metropolitan areas with the greatest OBGYN shortages where pharmacists can help fill the gap.

Disciplines

Maternal and Child Health | Women's Health

Keywords

pharmacist, oral contraceptives, OB-GYN shortage, women's health, prescribing, hormonal birth control

Document Type

Poster

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Accessibility of Pharmacists Who Can Prescribe Hormonal Contraceptives Can Lessen the Burden Felt by the Increasing Shortage of OB-GYNs in Major Metropolitan Areas

Across the nation, shortages of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (OB-GYNs) and changes in legislation have resulted in decreased access to reproductive healthcare.1 Previous research2,3 identified the 33 US states in which pharmacists receive training and education to safely provide hormonal birth control to eligible patients in community pharmacies and clinics, thus providing a resource to patients who may otherwise be unable to access contraceptives. This study aimed to build upon research by more closely identifying the metropolitan areas with the greatest OBGYN shortages where pharmacists can help fill the gap.