Workshop for implementing support tools to promote safety in the prescribing of oral contraceptives

SUMMARY The overall objective of our predicate SBIR Phase I grant, which commenced in September 2022, is to investigate the feasibility of pharmacists utilizing our proprietary OvaryIt software to prescribe contraceptives. Many states allow pharmacists to prescribe contraception, but the current paper-based process is inefficient and difficult to incorporate into daily practice for busy pharmacists. Therefore, even though many pharmacists are eligible to prescribe contraceptives, very few are actively offering these services. There continues to be an ongoing need for access to contraceptive services in the United States (US), with approximately 19 million women living in what is deemed a contraceptive desert. Because 90% of the population lives within 5 miles of a pharmacy, pharmacist-prescribed contraceptive services have the potential to dramatically increase access to care, decrease inequities in the health care system, and combat the high unintended pregnancy rate in the US. During Phase I, the OvaryIt Team has begun networking with numerous pharmacists with diverse backgrounds from across the US to gather insights and data. In addition to the primary feasibility objective, the team has recruited subject matter experts to assist in the creation of a comprehensive implementation package that addresses the barriers to the adoption of pharmacist-prescribed contraceptive services, determine the technological and operational requirements needed to successfully incorporate the solution into existing pharmacy workflows, and conduct usability testing to guide incremental improvements to the OvaryIt software. Early findings support our hypothesis that pharmacists are interested in providing contraceptive services, and they perceive that utilizing the OvaryIt software increases efficiency, patient safety, and the feasibility of incorporating contraceptive services into daily practice. Additionally, we received valuable feedback regarding potential modifications to the user interface that will guide improvements in the future system. OvaryIt, LLC has assembled a strong team with expertise in project management, contraceptive medicine, and medical technology design and implementation. All three members are committed to the time requirements of the program. The OvaryIt Team is willing to modify, adapt, and refine the overall commercialization strategy based on knowledge gained during the I-Corps Program.