Pharmacists and emergency contraception: An assessment of pharmacy school curricula in the U.S. and how this curricula is perceived by pharmacy students

Background: Although emergency contraception (EC) is safe and effective, many pharmacists and pharmacies throughout the U.S. have refused to dispense or carry and stock EC. Pharmacists' professional conduct, ethical practice, and training have implications for public health and access to care for women, children, and families.

Objective: To conduct a national curricula review of pharmacy schools to assess EC course content and to understand how this curriculum is operationalized and perceived by pharmacy students.

Methods: Using the Dillman method, the Deans of all 91 accredited schools of pharmacy in the U.S. were sent a survey querying them about EC course content in their programs. Focus groups were conducted at the four accredited schools of pharmacy in Florida. Quantitative and qualitative analysis were performed.

Findings: Of the 47 pharmacy schools that responded (52%), 87.2% (n=41) reported that they do offer required courses that provide content on EC, 8.5% (n=4) reported that they do not, and 4.3% (n=2) reported not sure. In terms of elective courses, 17% (n=8) reported that they do offer elective courses that provide content on EC, 72.3% (n=34) reported that they do not offer these courses and 10.6% (n=5) reported not sure. A typology was created depicting these findings. The focus group data demonstrated a discrepancy between what schools report they are teaching and what students report knowing about EC. Qualitative findings uncovered themes of misconceptions about EC and it's mechanism of action.

Conclusion: There is a discrepancy between what is intended to be taught to pharmacy students and what is actually being learned.