RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The Visit Before the Morning After: Barriers to Preprescribing Emergency Contraception
JF The Annals of Family Medicine
JO Ann Fam Med
FD American Academy of Family Physicians
SP 345
OP 350
DO 10.1370/afm.105
VO 2
IS 4
A1 Alison Karasz
A1 Nicole Tan Kirchen
A1 Marji Gold
YR 2004
UL http://www.annfammed.org/content/2/4/345.abstract
AB BACKGROUND Research suggests that while advance prescription of emergency contraception (EC) increases women’s access, this prescribing model is rarely used. The present study sought to explore attitudes towards EC among patients and physicians, with the goal of understanding potential barriers to advance prescription. METHODS Qualitative, semistructured interviews were conducted with patients and clinicians in a New York City family practice clinic. RESULTS Using qualitative interviews, we found that attitudes towards EC among patients and clinicians are complex. Both groups of participants reported favorable attitudes towards EC. There was general agreement that physicians should take a proactive role in educating patients about the method. A notable minority in each group described substantial reservations, however, especially regarding the potential for EC abuse. Such attitudes emerged mainly in the context of discussions about advance prescription. Advance prescription was viewed as greatly facilitating access to EC, but some patients and clinicians feared that ready access would encourage irresponsible sex. Some participants condoned the occasional, accidental, or emergency use of EC; however, habitual use, or the plan not to plan for sex, was viewed as morally indefensible. CONCLUSION Findings suggest that even when attitudes towards EC are generally favorable, some physicians and patients have substantial reservations about advance prescription. Education and dialogue are needed to overcome these reservations.