Use of simulated patients to evaluate combined oral contraceptive dispensing practices of community pharmacists.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Combined oral contraceptive (COC) use is the most commonly used reversible method of birth control. The incorrect use of COCs is frequent and one of the most common causes of unintended pregnancies. Community pharmacists (CPs) are in a strategic position to improve COC use because they are the last health professional to interact with patients before drug use.

Objective

To evaluate the COC dispensing practices of CPs in a developing country.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted in community pharmacies of Assis and Ourinhos microregions, Brazil, between June 1, 2012, and October 30, 2012. Four simulated patients (SPs) (with counseled audio recording) visited community pharmacies with a prescription for Ciclo 21(®) (a COC containing ethinyl estradiol

SUBMITTER: Obreli-Neto PR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3853625 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature