Article Text

Download PDFPDF
Evaluation of an evidence-based contraceptive advice line used to support contraceptive provision in primary care
  1. Okunyomibo Graham, FRCOG, MFSRH, Subspecialty Registrar,
  2. Soe Nyunt Aung, MRCOG, Dip GUM, Specialty Doctor and
  3. Kate Guthrie, FRCOG, FFSRH, Clinical Director
  1. Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Partnership, Conifer House, Hull, UK
  1. Correspondence to Dr Okunyomibo Graham, Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Partnership, Conifer House, 32–36 Prospect Street, Hull HU2 8PX, UK. E-mail: yombog{at}aol.com

Abstract

Background An e-contraceptive advice line (contraceptionadvice.GP@hullpct.nhs) was set up by our unit to support contraceptive provision in primary care. This advice line was for general practitioners (GPs) initially and was then extended to certain pharmacists. All queries were to be answered within 24 hours. A similar e-advice line on emergency contraception for patients seeking advice had been successful in the USA and South Africa.

Methods Our aim was to evaluate the contraceptive advice line using standards developed at its inception. A retrospective audit of the queries received by the contraceptive advice line between January and September 2009 was conducted.

Results Sixty-seven queries were received from 30 GPs, nine from practice nurses and none from pharmacists. Some 61% of the queries were answered within 24 hours and 85% were answered within 72 hours; 90% were within the advice line guidelines.

Conclusions The e-mail advice line is a useful, low-cost, well-received support service for GPs. This model could be adopted by other areas wishing to increase contraceptive access in primary care.

  • advice line
  • contraception
  • general practitioners
  • pharmacists
  • primary care

Statistics from Altmetric.com

Request Permissions

If you wish to reuse any or all of this article please use the link below which will take you to the Copyright Clearance Center’s RightsLink service. You will be able to get a quick price and instant permission to reuse the content in many different ways.