title: Nova Scotia pharmacists' knowledge of, experiences with and perception of factors interfering with their ability to provide emergency contraceptive pill consultations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this research was to explore pharmacists' knowledge of, experiences with and perception of factors interfering with their ability to provide non-prescription emergency contraceptive pill consultations in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia.
  
  
  METHODS
  A self-administered paper questionnaire was mailed, using Dillman's tailored design method, to all pharmacists (n = 1123) registered with the Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The response rate was 53.0% (595/1123), with 451 respondents working in community practice. Most respondents reported that they had provided consultations for the emergency contraceptive product Plan B since it became available without a prescription (93.6%), and that Plan B is kept behind the pharmacy counter (83.6%). Pharmacists most frequently (47.8%) reported spending 6-10 min providing Plan B consultations. Respondents were generally knowledgeable about Plan B; however, only 39.2% knew that it can be effective for up to 5 days and 69.3% knew that the incidence of vomiting is less than 50%. The factors interfering the most with providing Plan B consultations were lack of privacy (46.1%) and lack of staff to cover during the consultation (50.9%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In general, Nova Scotia pharmacists are knowledgeable about emergency contraceptive pills; however, education regarding effective timing for use of such pills would be helpful. Private areas for counselling and consideration of pharmacy staffing schedules in community pharmacies may help address pharmacist concerns regarding their ability to provide Plan B consultations.
authors: College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. anne.marie.whelan@dal.ca
authors: Anne Marie
authors: AM
authors: Whelan
authors: Donald B
authors: DB
authors: Langille
authors: Eileen
authors: E
authors: Hurst
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009674:Nova Scotia; D010465:Perception; D010595:Pharmacists; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital
keywords: contraception; health knowledge; health surveys; postcoital; women's health