Pharmacist-administered subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate: a pilot randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe objectives of this study were to assess the feasibility of administering subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SC) in a pharmacy setting and assess patient satisfaction.Study DesignFifty women, at least 18 years of age, presenting to a family planning clinic to initiate, continue or restart any form of DMPA were randomized to receive two subsequent injections at a nearby pharmacy by trained pharmacists or at the clinic. Women completed two follow-up surveys to rate their satisfaction with DMPA-SC and their clinic/pharmacy experiences.ResultsThe relative risk of returning and receiving a second DMPA-SC injection of women randomized to the pharmacy compared with those randomized to the clinic was 0.73 (95% CI 0.42–1.27). The relative risk of returning and receiving a third DMPA-SC injection was 0.75 (95% CI 0.39–1.46). Most women found the pharmacy setting convenient (70%), private (100%), the providers respectful (100%) and were satisfied with DMPA-SC and the pharmacy as a clinical site (≥89%). No significant difference in patient satisfaction with location, convenience, privacy, and respect from providers was found between study groups (p>.05), nor were there significant differences in attitudes or satisfaction among women between their two follow-up injections.ConclusionAdministration of DMPA-SC by pharmacists in a pharmacy setting is feasible. Continuation rates and patient satisfaction with DMPA-SC and the pharmacy setting were comparable to those who received DMPA-SC in a family planning clinic.