Responses of pharmacy students to hypothetical refusal of emergency hormonal contraception

Abstract

Objectives: To explore pharmacy students' ethical behaviour and care towards patients in relation to the provision of emergency hormonal contraception (EHC). Methods: Three hundred and forty-seven pharmacy students were presented a hypothetical scenario involving refusal of EHC, based on religious or moral grounds, and asked to write responses as to how the patient should be managed; 270 (77.8%) responded. Key findings: Of all respondents, 90.4% referred the patient to another health professional to facilitate continuity of care, with referrals increasing as students progressed through the programme. Religion had no influence on referral, while female gender was related to increased referral. Conclusions: Gender difference, if continued into practice, has the potential to negatively impact on patient care.