UK accident and emergency departments and emergency contraception: what do they think and do?
OBJECTIVES: A postal questionnaire survey was conducted to assess what staff in UK accident and emergency (A&E) departments thought of providing an emergency contraception service, the degree of enthusiasm in and level of provision of the service, and staff attitudes to the introduction or continuation of provision of the service. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to all 560 departments providing A&E services in the UK. RESULTS: Of the 560 units sent questionnaires, 355 (63.4%) replied. Half the units were located in small county towns, and a quarter in large towns. Requests for emergency contraception were received by 96% of responding units, but only 57% provided treatment. Requests for emergency contraception in 84 of these units ranged between one and 50 per month. The A&E senior house officer (SHO) and the gynaecology SHO and registrar prescribed most of the pills. Nurses were more involved in nurse led or general practitioner (GP) led units. Initial treatment only was given by 77
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