Development and validation of a contraceptive dispensing protocol for community pharmacists in Qatar: a Delphi study

Abstract

Background: Hormonal contraceptives are available over the counter in community pharmacies in Qatar, placing significant responsibility on community pharmacists (CPs) to ensure safe use. The current study aimed to develop and validate a contraceptive dispensing protocol for CPs use in Qatar. Methods: A scoping review identified suitable protocols, with an initial protocol adapted from The United States Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use, developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Validation occurred through a three-round online Delphi technique: one qualitative round and two quantitative rounds. A panel of ten licensed obstetricians and gynecologists in Qatar participated. Qualitative data were thematically analysed, and consensus in quantitative rounds was defined as over 80% participant agreement. Results: Two major themes emerged: (1) challenges in assessing the appropriateness of items related to protected intercourse, recent childbirth, and cultural sensitivity around sexually transmitted disease-related questions, and (2) positive feedback on screening and simplification recommendations. In the first round, the protocol comprised 31 items. In the second round, 25 of these items reached consensus. Five items that received 70% to 80% agreement were carried forward to a third round, along with one newly added item. Of the six items assessed in the third round, consensus was achieved for five. Consequently, the final protocol consisted of 29 items. Conclusion: A 29-item protocol was developed and validated to assess women's eligibility for contraceptive use by CPs in Qatar. Future research should target translating the protocol into other languages and conducting cultural adaptation studies. It should also explore the development and testing of a collaborative intervention involving pharmacists and other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive, multidisciplinary contraceptive services to patients.