The new resources complement the list of tools being added to AAFP’s Women’s Health Center to help members stay up-to-date on reproductive health and other clinical topics needed to care for patients and manage their practices. Masu.
“Primary physicians are often patients’ first point of contact for medical questions and concerns, including questions about reproductive health,” said Dr. McConlogue, a member of the Academy of Public Health Science Committee that assisted AAFP staff. said Dr. Daniel Carter, FAAFP. Create a new resource. “Given the confusion surrounding the function and availability of emergency contraceptives, the time-sensitive nature of their use, and the time constraints associated with a busy day at the office, having a quick reference like this is a great way to help patients It is equally beneficial for doctors and doctors alike.”
This summary includes a table describing the emergency contraceptive methods currently available in the United States and makes it clear that emergency contraceptives should not be confused with abortion pills. It also provides clinical guidance on follow-up care.
This FAQ addresses more than a dozen common patient questions about emergency contraception, including how it works, when to use it, for how long, and what side effects it causes. It explains what is possible. The FAQ includes a table with answers to specific methods of emergency contraception.
Both resources leverage award-winning materials AFP Evidence-based contraceptive review articles with supplemental information from other organizations such as the World Health Organization and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Carter said family physicians can easily incorporate elements of the FAQ into existing patient handouts and in-office education materials.
“Physicians can also use these as a quick reference during patient care, or to confidently guide the advice and prescriptions given by triage and office nursing staff,” she said.
Carter added that emergency contraception should be discussed as part of a comprehensive reproductive health plan, especially for people who do not want to become pregnant and are not using other contraceptive methods.
“Although most patients request emergency contraception on a temporary basis, patients should be counseled about how to obtain emergency contraception and when to use it during their preventive care visits,” Dr. Carter said. “It’s equally important that patients feel empowered to have these conversations with their doctors.”
Protect clinician rights and patient access
As the Biden administration releases new guidance to protect clinicians’ rights of conscience and patients’ access to emergency and contraceptive care, AAFP has created a new overview and FAQ, which the Academy advocates. is consistent with
The final rule, titled “Protecting Rights of Conscience Protected by Federal Statutes,” which goes into effect on March 11, removes federal funding from health care facilities that require clinicians to perform or refer services. The 2019 policy to do so has been partially rescinded. Contrary to the clinician’s moral or religious beliefs. This rule does not change existing conscience protections. Instead, file complaints with the HHS Office for Civil Rights, specify which and how OCR will enforce conscience laws, and provide voluntary conscience rights notices to physician practices and other covered entities. We encourage you to post.
This rule strengthens protections for clinicians who refuse to participate in treatment that violates a person’s ethics. The AAFP Congress of Delegates called on the academy to support such protections. 2021 resolutions. Last year, AAFP wrote in a letter to HHS that the proposed rule would protect the right of clinicians not to participate in non-emergency care that they feel violates their personal morals and specifically It said it was about striking the right balance between ensuring adequate access to treatment for all patients being treated. population.
“AAFP clearly distinguishes between refusing to participate in a procedure on moral grounds and denying access to care to an individual patient,” the letter reads. “Refusing to participate in a procedure on moral grounds is a protected right. Refusing care to certain people or groups of individuals, without proper notice or proper referral, may harm patients. Evading the responsibilities of caring health professionals is unacceptable and violates a key foundation of the Code of Medical Ethics.”
The updated FAQ for this rule highlights several other points that may impact family physicians, including:
- “Reasonable medical management techniques” with respect to contraceptives cannot include step therapy, age-related restrictions, excessive administrative requirements, or cost sharing for ancillary services.
- Contraceptive pills and drug-driven devices are considered therapeutic equivalents to other products if they are listed in the FDA Orange Book.
- Plans and issuers provide “easily accessible, transparent, There must be “sufficiently expedient” exception procedures.
More resources for doctors on the way
AAFP’s Women’s Health Center is a growing hub of clinical guidance, journal articles, news stories, advocacy updates, and other resources from AAFP and outside organizations. The Academy expands its offerings on women’s health topics throughout the year, so bookmark our page for the latest resources.
Members can learn more about family medicine pregnancy care in light of U.S. Supreme Court decisions. Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization The case for online CME courses. A new on-demand CME activity on reproductive health will be launched in March on the Academy’s On-Demand CME page.
