The POPPY survey: Progestogen Only Pill from the PharmacY
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Poppy survey: Progestogen Only Pill from the PharmacY
IRAS ID
309466
Contact name
Sharon Cameron
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
The progestogen-only pill (POP) has been approved as an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine to prevent pregnancy without the need for a doctors prescription. International evidence shows that increasing the choice of contraceptive methods available increases overall uptake and use of contraception. For a medicine to be available and approved without a prescription, the benefits must outweigh any risks and the potential for misuse must be low.
Important questions remain unanswered. Is the safety and effectiveness of the POP any different if it is accessed OTC from the pharmacy? Is further support needed by women accessing it OTC and if so what form should it take? Do pharmacists need additional training in how to counsel women about how to take the POP?
We propose to carry out a survey study in the UK comparing women's experiences of obtaining POP contraception OTC from a pharmacist with that of doing so via a prescription. We will compare continued use of POP, acceptability of obtaining the POP, side effects experienced and support needed with pill-taking. The findings will be of value in optimising provision and enhancing patient experience, minimising risks associated with the POP OTC, and also providing evidence needed to facilitate the approval of other methods of contraception from the pharmacy.
20 pharmacies in Scotland and 20 in London will be recruited to take part. All women aged 16 and over presenting for the purpose of obtaining the POP, whether OTC or with a prescription, will be invited to take part. Women will be asked to complete an online questionnaire after they have used their first packet of POP (one month) and again three months later.
REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/WM/0024
Date of REC Opinion
23 Feb 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion