Preconception Care Needs among Female Patients of Childbearing Age from an Urban, Community Pharmacy Setting

Abstract Objective To perform a needs assessment using evidence-based core indicators, developed by the Preconception Health and Heath Care (PCHHC) Initiative Clinical Workgroup and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to describe the preconception care needs among female patients of a community pharmacy. Methods Women of childbearing age received a paper survey in either English or Spanish containing questions about patient demographics, health status, and pregnancy considerations. Upon completion of the survey, patient medication history data was retrospectively gathered from the medication profile and vaccination status on select vaccines was determined utilizing the Michigan vaccination reporting system. Results Ninety nine surveys were completed. The median age was 30 years (range 18-44). Of survey participants, 77.8% indicated that they were sexually active, 70.7% had an abnormal BMI, 78.8% were missing documentation of one or more recommended vaccinations, 66.7% were not taking any form of daily folic acid supplementation, and 49.5% were utilizing at least one medication with potential teratogenic effects. Conclusions A preconception health needs assessment conducted in a community pharmacy with female patients of childbearing age found multiple opportunities for intervention such as improving daily folic acid supplementation and ensuring appropriate management of medications with potential teratogenic effects. Each of the preconception care needs assessed can be addressed through services provided by community pharmacists.