No abstract

INTRODUCTION: With the goal of expanding access to family planning, we interviewed rural New Mexican women to determine their perceptions of pharmacists' prescriptive authority and how it could impact contraceptive access in their communities. METHODS: Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with women recruited from four rural New Mexico communities. Researchers used interview guides to explain the new protocol; the guide covered topics including general attitudes, advantages, and disadvantages within their community. RESULTS: Between November 2017 and May 2018, 32 women were enrolled. Participants were young (56% between the ages of 18-29), gravid (52% with 3 or more prior pregnancies), employed (94%) and white (69%) Hispanic (84%). The majority used Medicaid as their primary insurer (57%). The majority of women were supportive of pharmacy access. Many expressed the desire for pharmacists to review side effects with them; most women did not think pharmacy access would reduce provider visits for preventive care. The main perceived benefit of pharmacy access was convenience: longer hours of operation, shorter wait times and no requirement for an appointment. Many did not support over the counter access to hormonal contraception due to concerns about side effects. Some concerns included lack of privacy, lack of individualized care and preference for a physician. CONCLUSION: Rural New Mexican women generally support pharmacy access to contraception. Operationalizing pharmacy access requires input from local community members to promote advantages and address concerns.