RPS: Pharmacists have necessary skills
Thursday, 13 Dec 2007 12:33
Pharmacists have the necessary skills to distribute contraception including the contraceptive pill to people, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) has said.
The society has backed trials to determine the effectiveness of contraception being given by pharmacists as well as GPs and health clinics.
On announcing the trials, the health minister Lord Ara Darzi said the government would ensure appropriate training so that pharmacists distribute contraception correctly.
The RPS said pharmacists already carry out duties that will be necessary to determine whether someone should be prescribed contraception.
David Pruce, director of practice and quality improvement at the RPS, said contraception would be given through patient group directions (PGD) - written instructions for the supply of medicines to patients without a doctor's prescription.
"Pharmacists are experts in medicines and have a track record of supplying medicines such as emergency hormonal oral contraception via PGDs and also over-the counter," he commented.
"As such, they have clinical skills and expertise that will help them provide information and advice to women to ensure the appropriate use of oral contraception."
Mr Pruce added that giving pharmacists the ability to distribute the contraceptive pill "would widen and improve patient choice, access and convenience".