INNOVATIONS in pharmacy

Providers' perceptions of monitoring process for pregnancy category D or X medication in women of childbearing age

Jody L. Lounsbery

Barbara Leone

Andrew Slattengren

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/iip.v6i4.407

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Abstract

Background and Objectives: A process for monitoring the prescribing of common pregnancy category D or X medications in women of childbearing age (ages 12 to 50) was developed and implemented by clinical pharmacists within a residency clinic. The project goals were to determine 1) if providers value the monitoring of their prescribing practices, 2) if they value the process used by the clinic, and 3) if providers report changing prescribing practices or note increased awareness when prescribing pregnancy category D or X medications in women of childbearing age as a result of the monitoring process.

METHODS: An electronic survey was distributed to the 43 providers currently practicing in the clinic. Survey questions covered topics including value of monitoring prescribing practices for pregnancy category D or X medications in women of childbearing age, value of the specific monitoring process used at the clinic, frequency of consideration of pregnancy status and contraception use when prescribing medication, and suggestions for improvement on the monitoring process.

RESULTS: The response rate was 81.4% (n=35). Results showed all responders valued the monitoring of their prescribing of pregnancy category D or X medications and the monitoring process used by the clinic. Providers reported the monitoring process increased how often they thought about a patient’s pregnancy status and contraception use when prescribing medications.

CONCLUSIONS: The monitoring process is valued by providers and impacts prescribing practices. It is a quality process that could be implemented by clinical pharmacists in other primacy care practices to enhance the safe prescribing of medications for women of childbearing age.

 

Type: Original Research