Research Lead: Cynthia J. Mollen, MD, MSCE
Sponsored By: Academic Pediatric Association, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Dates: July 2006- June 2008
Background
Pediatric emergency medicine providers generally have little experience with the prescription of emergency contraception, and emergency department protocols for contraception provision vary greatly by hospital. These barriers to the prescription of emergency contraception for adolescents are not well understood.
Aims
- Describe the knowledge, attitudes, and experiences related to contraception (specifically emergency contraception) among nurses and physicians who work in pediatric emergency departments.
- Identify provider barriers to emergency contraception prescription for adolescents.
Methods
Study Design: National Internet-based survey and focus groups at three hospital sites
Population: Surveys - 282 pediatric emergency medicine physicians. Focus groups - 62 pediatric emergency department nurses and physicians at two sites; a focus group at a third site has been scheduled for November 2009.
Progress
Survey data collection and analysis were completed. Focus group data collection and analysis are ongoing.
Findings from this survey have appeared in:
- Goyal M, Zhao H, Mollen CJ: Exploring emergency contraception knowledge, prescription practices, and barriers to prescription for adolescents in the emergency department. Pediatrics (123), 765-770, March 2009
