Beyond Pills: Exploring Pharmacists’ Role in Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Services
(Michael Smith Grant & CIHR Grant, 2024-2025)
Access to Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) is inadequate in British Columbia (BC), especially for disadvantaged and rural populations1. Rapid changes in regulations allowing pharmacists to prescribe contraceptives (including LARC) and the BC introduction of universal free prescription contraception presents an important and timely opportunity to expand the role pharmacists play in reproductive healthcare and particularly in LARC access2. We are interested to explore expanding the scope of pharmacy practice to authorize pharmacists to insert the subdermal contraceptive implant (Nexplanon®)3. Expanding the scope of pharmacy practice to authorize pharmacists to insert contraceptive implants will improve reproductive healthcare and expand reproductive healthcare options for all residents of BC and especially for disadvantaged and rural populations. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned across BC, including in remote and underserved areas, ensuring widespread access to these critical services4,5. Authorizing pharmacists to insert contraceptive implants leverages their accessibility, extensive training, and existing patient relationships, making it easier for individuals to obtain reliable long-acting contraception. This expansion will reduce barriers to care, improve health outcomes, and ensure that more residents have timely and convenient access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare. Understanding what is needed for this expanded scope of practice is key for a successful policy change which could then improve equitable access to LARC options in BC.
Goal: Our study aims to identify the factors necessary to feasibly implement and expand scope of pharmacy practice to include pharmacist-led insertion of subdermal contraceptive implants (Nexplanon®) in British Columbia. We seek to understand the willingness and interest among pharmacists in performing this procedure, as well as to gather insights from non-pharmacists registered healthcare professionals on the acceptability of this expanded role. By assessing the need for and availability of necessary resources, education, and training, we aim to identify key facilitators, barriers, and challenges to implementation.
Financial Background:
Co- Sponsors
