Pharmacist-administered subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Picardo, C.; Ferreri, S.
Contraception 82(2): 160-167
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 1879-0518 PMID: 20654757 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2010.01.013Document Number: 213337
The objectives of this study were to assess the feasibility of administering subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SC) in a pharmacy setting and assess patient satisfaction. Fifty women, at least 18 years of age, presenting to a family planning clinic to initiate, continue or restart any form of DMPA were randomized to receive two subsequent injections at a nearby pharmacy by trained pharmacists or at the clinic. Women completed two follow-up surveys to rate their satisfaction with DMPA-SC and their clinic/pharmacy experiences. The relative risk of returning and receiving a second DMPA-SC injection of women randomized to the pharmacy compared with those randomized to the clinic was 0.73 (95% CI 0.42-1.27). The relative risk of returning and receiving a third DMPA-SC injection was 0.75 (95% CI 0.39-1.46). Most women found the pharmacy setting convenient (70%), private (100%), the providers respectful (100%) and were satisfied with DMPA-SC and the pharmacy as a clinical site (> or = 89%). No significant difference in patient satisfaction with location, convenience, privacy, and respect from providers was found between study groups (p>.05), nor were there significant differences in attitudes or satisfaction among women between their two follow-up injections. Administration of DMPA-SC by pharmacists in a pharmacy setting is feasible. Continuation rates and patient satisfaction with DMPA-SC and the pharmacy setting were comparable to those who received DMPA-SC in a family planning clinic.