Pharmacists perceptions of nurse prescribing of emergency contraception

Proposed strategies to reduce the rate of unplanned pregnancy in the UK include widening access to hormonal emergency contraception (HEC) through nurse prescribing and over-the-counter sales by pharmacists. This article reports on the perceptions of pharmacists regarding the appropriateness of nurse prescribing of HEC drawn from a survey of pharmacists' attitudes towards HEC deregulation. A 10% sample (n = 3999) of all members of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain was surveyed and a response rate of 38.6% (1543 respondents) achieved. Pharmacists were asked whether or not nurses should prescribe HEC and in what capacity. In respect of the statement that: 'Nurses should not be allowed to prescribe post-coital contraception', 42% of respondents agreed while 31.6% disagreed. This indicates that pharmacists do not have a consensus view regarding nurse prescribing of HEC. Arrangements for pharmacists prescribing under protocol received the support of 60.2% of respondents, whereas 41% expressed support for nurse prescribing under protocol. There was also relatively little support for 'specifically trained' nurses prescribing HEC. The findings are considered in relation to the development of a coherent and accessible provision of HEC and the wider implications for interprofessional relationships concerning prescribing.