Family Planning: Contraceptive Options, Expectations, and Timing

Course overview

This 90-minute home study CE program will focus on ensuring pharmacists are prepared to prescribe birth control. More states continue to pass and propose legislation allowing pharmacists to prescribe contraception via statewide protocols. In states that do not allow prescribing or that have pending legislation, it is still crucial for pharmacists to increase their knowledge of contraception to improve patient interactions and their ability to provide appropriate recommendations to providers. This home study program aims to ensure that pharmacists are prepared to counsel and recommend contraceptive methods included in their practice agreement, as well as those that require a provider for insertion such as the intrauterine device (IUD) and implant. Information included will focus on the ability to provide education on all forms of hormonal and select non-hormonal contraceptive methods, including particular characteristics that may impact product selection for a specific product. Important aspects for pharmacist prescribing will be covered such as pertinent side effects from a patient perspective, what the patient needs to know or expect about a particular method, and any management strategies for mild side effects that occur. This activity will prepare pharmacists with an understanding of considerations and recommendations for various contraceptive options, with an emphasis on shared decision making in contraceptive choice during family planning.