Impact of a hormonal contraceptive training program for pharmacists.

BACKGROUND: Several states have passed legislation allowing pharmacists to prescribe hormonal contraceptives in an effort to expand access to family planning options for patients. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this research is to evaluate participant knowledge and perception, attitudes, and preparedness regarding pharmacist-prescribed hormonal contraception before and after completion of the American Pharmacists Association's interactive online training program, "Increasing Access to Hormonal Contraceptive Products: A Training Program for Pharmacists." METHODS: Training program participants were assessed on their knowledge after each module, and they were invited to participate in a pre- and postsurvey about practice environments and opinions related to hormonal contraceptive prescribing. Descriptive statistics were calculated for categorical survey responses, and means and standard deviations were calculated for program knowledge assessment scores. Pre- and postsurvey responses were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test or McNemar's test according to the type of response options. RESULTS: More than 450 participants completed the Hormonal Contraception Training Program; 61% completed the presurvey and 39% completed the postsurvey. Participants had an average score of 86% across modules for both surveys. Comfort level increased statistically significantly in all areas surveyed after program completion. Survey results identified statistically significant changes between pre- and postsurvey in the belief that pharmacists are trained and educated to counsel on and initiate hormonal contraceptives (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001) and that prescribing hormonal contraceptives should be within a pharmacist's scope of practice (P < 0.001). Most respondents (83%) agreed that pharmacy schools should expand content on contraceptive prescribing, although more than half (56%) reported that their pharmacy school taught them the requisite hormonal contraceptive clinical content. CONCLUSION: Training programs play an important role in preparing pharmacists for prescribing roles by providing knowledge and increasing confidence and generally positively affecting perceptions of and attitudes toward prescribing hormonal contraceptives.

Variations in Periodontal Diagnosis Among Clinicians: dental hygienists' experiences and perceived barriers.

Purpose: Research indicates clinicians face barriers when attempting to utilize evidence-based protocols for periodontal disease and periodontal disease diagnosis often varies between dental providers. The purpose of this study was to identify and better understand dental hygienists' perceived barriers and experiences during the process of diagnosing periodontal disease in clinical practice.Methods: This study used a qualitative design and a purposive sample of dental hygienists (n=20). Utilizing a virtual video-conferencing platform, participants logged into focus group sessions to discuss their experiences with diagnosing periodontal disease in clinical practice. Focus group sessions were recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis involved the use of inductive coding to draw themes from the data.Results: Dental hygienists reported being responsible for periodontal disease diagnosis, and that they utilized similar classification systems, and agreed with colleagues' periodontal disease diagnoses. However, participants reported the lack of a standardized periodontal classification system was confusing when communicating outside of their dental practice and described both intrinsic and extrinsic barriers to diagnosing disease. A common theme expressed by participants was that patients' lack of acceptance of their periodontal disease status and inability to fund treatment interfered with providing an evidence-based diagnosis and treatment plan. Newly licensed dental hygienists felt somewhat prepared to diagnose periodontal disease upon completion of their education but reported increased confidence in their skills and knowledge with years of practice and continuing education.Conclusion: Study data indicates dental hygienists feel the lack of a standardized periodontal classification system causes confusion and inconsistencies when communicating with other oral health care providers outside of their clinical practice setting, and dental hygienists face barriers when diagnosing periodontal disease. These findings may be instrumental in assisting educators in preparing students for clinical practice.