Pharmacist’s Role Is Key in Counseling Patients

A panel of experts discussed topics related to women’s health and health care during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the Pharmacy Times® Pharmacy Focus webcast series. The panelists included moderator Suzanne Soliman, PharmD, BCMAS, founder of the Pharmacist Moms Group.

Taking the time to integrate birth control services into the pharmacy by first enrolling in online training programs can help patients immensely, according to Sally Rafie, PharmD, BCPS, APh, NCMP, FCCP, FCPhA, pharmacist specialist at UC San Diego Health and founder of the Birth Control Pharmacist project.

Some pharmacy schools have started to include women’s health services in their curricula for students so they are trained and ready to counsel patients about topics such as birth control once they graduate and start working, according to Kathleen M. Vest, PharmD, CDCES, BCACP, professor of pharmacy practice at Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy.

In addition, pharmacists should know there are many other options for birth control apart from the contraceptive pill, and the choice should be based on the patient’s needs, according to Christina M. Madison, PharmD, FCCP, AAHIVP, founder and CEO of The Public Health Pharmacist, PLLC.

For example, if someone has an issue with medication adherence, an injectable contraceptive or NuvaRing may fit their lifestyle better, she said.

Reference

Webcast: women’s health and the role of the pharmacist. Pharmacy Times®. November 2, 2021. Accessed January 10, 2022. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/webcast-women-s-health-and-the-role-of-the-pharmacist