What are the Barriers and Facilitators for Successful Home-Based Contraceptive Dispensing by Nurses?

Abstract

<bold>Objective</bold>: Half of all pregnancies in the United States are unintended. Although home-based hormonal contraceptive dispensing is a common approach to reduce unintended pregnancy around the world, it is a novel intervention in the United States. <bold>Design and Sample</bold>: We conducted a qualitative study to gather nurses' perceptions about adding a contraceptive dispensing intervention to five nurse home-visiting programs in Washington State. <bold>Approach</bold>: Using 5 focus groups with 24 nurses, we assessed the feasibility, scope of practice and safety of in-home contraceptive dispensing. <bold>Results</bold>: Although some nurses expressed skepticism, most described the intervention as safe and within their scope of practice, as long as certain conditions were met. Specifically, the nurses recommended appropriate training, protocols, standing orders, and ongoing clinical and logistical support. <bold>Conclusions</bold>: Home-based hormonal contraceptive dispensing can reach at-risk women who desire to prevent unintended pregnancy and who may not have access to clinic based family planning services.