Partnering with pharmacists to provide preconception care

Pregnancy outcomes can be improved through increased provision of preconception care.  However, current literature suggests that many people are not routinely receiving the necessary education or interventions in the preconception or interconception period.  While pharmacists have been traditionally under-utilized resources in maternal and child health, pharmacists can be more effectively engaged to address the current gaps in preconception care.  Pharmacists are well-suited to impact preconception care interventions, either directly or through referral and collaboration.  This session will highlight opportunities to partner with pharmacists in 6 key areas: (1) to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies; (2) to provide education, counseling, and/or medication therapy management to prevent and manage health issues (such as folic acid use; smoking cessation; disease state management; screenings; management of teratogenic medications); (3) to administer needed vaccinations to patients per state law; (4) to interpret literature and to provide drug information regarding medication use and drug toxicity during pregnancy; (5) to raise awareness and to advocate for preconception care; and (6) to conduct research.   With their available nature and frequent patient interactions, pharmacists are well-positioned to work with other healthcare and public health professionals to ensure all men and women of childbearing potential have access to preconception care. There are many potential opportunities to partner with pharmacists to advance preconception care and improve pregnancy outcomes.