This was a systematic review of the literature in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Evidence mapping was used to reveal the effect of drug reminder packaging on medication adherence, to identify research gaps and to make suggestions for future research.

(1) Background: Pharmacists are often challenged with situations where women are already on hormonal contraceptives (HC) but have no valid prescription. By Swiss law, pharmacists are allowed to supply prescription-only drugs in exceptional situations without a physician’s prescription. Because eligibility for HC can change, women at risk for complications, such as serious side effects, need to be identified. We aimed to develop a protocol to assist pharmacists in clarifying and documenting eligibility for HC. (2) Methods: We conducted a survey using the Delphi method to identify relevant clarifications and develop a protocol for pharmacists. Proposed material was created based on the literature and existing toolkits/protocols aimed at verifying eligibility for HC. A multidisciplinary expert panel, consisting of gynecologists and pharmacists, reviewed the proposed material and provided anonymized feedback over two survey cycles. (3) Results: This Delphi survey revealed items essential to the clarification of eligibility for HC in pharmacies for women who are already using it. This resulted in a protocol that maps “best practices” regarding these ad interim supplies of HC given without a prescription in Switzerland. (4) Conclusions: This survey, made using the Delphi method, allowed us to create a protocol for pharmacists that aims to verify and document eligibility for HC in Switzerland, where HC is frequently supplied without a prescription.

This study examines women's experiences and needs regarding oral emergency contraception (EC) counselling and dispensing in Swiss pharmacies, a key service to prevent unplanned pregnancies after unprotected sexual intercourse. We conducted an anonymous online survey among women who obtained EC from Swiss pharmacies and performed exploratory descriptive analyses on EC use patterns, expectations, and experiences. Analysis of 316 questionnaires revealed high overall satisfaction with EC counselling, with 91% of participants understanding the need for consultation. Respondents had a mean age of 25 years; 65% had used EC before. First-time users reported the greatest increases in knowledge (+16%) and reassurance (+19%). Educational level also influenced these perceptions. Counselling content generally aligned well with expectations. Most common concerns before obtaining EC were lack of discretion (42%) and fear of judgement from pharmacy staff (37%), though these were rarely confirmed. Differences emerged between first-time and recurrent users, education levels, and language of respondents. The Swiss model of oral EC without prescription, combined with mandatory pharmacy counselling, appears practical and acceptable, increasing women's knowledge and confidence. New tools and strategies may help address concerns about privacy and fear of judgement to further improve the service and better meet individual needs.

Emergency contraception (EC) is a time-sensitive pharmacy service in which consistent, patient-centred counselling is important but can be challenging to deliver in routine practice. This prospective implementation study evaluated the feasibility, real-world use, and patient experience of a digital counselling support tool integrating patient self-reporting with structured, evidence-based support for pharmacist-led EC consultations. All EC consultations using the tool in 10 Swiss community pharmacies were analysed descriptively (n = 3,428), alongside a voluntary anonymous post-consultation survey (n = 148). Median total consultation duration was 11:32 min, including 4:27 min of direct pharmacist counselling, indicating partial transfer of assessment to the digital pre-consultation phase. Ulipristal acetate was dispensed in 71% and levonorgestrel in 26% of consultations. Prior to counselling, 80% of patients reported uncertainty regarding the optimal active ingredient, underscoring the relevance of pharmacist involvement. Survey respondents rated the tool as easy to use (97%), discreet (99%), and trustworthy (98%); 85% preferred it over standard paper-based procedures. These findings demonstrate high feasibility and patient acceptance, supporting the integration of a digital tool into routine EC services while enabling consistent, evidence-based counselling without compromising interpersonal interaction.

Emergency contraception (EC) is a time-sensitive pharmacy service in which consistent, patient-centred counselling is important but can be challenging to deliver in routine practice. This prospective implementation study evaluated the feasibility and real-world use of a digital counselling support tool for pharmacist-led EC consultations in Swiss community pharmacies. The tool combines patient self-reporting with structured, evidence-based support for pharmacist counselling. All EC consultations between 1 November 2023 and 14 February 2026 using the tool in 10 Swiss community pharmacies were analysed descriptively (n = 3428), alongside a voluntary anonymous post-consultation survey (n = 148) assessing patient-reported experience and acceptance. Median total consultation duration was 11:32 min, including 4:27 min of direct pharmacist counselling, indicating partial transfer of assessment to the digital pre-consultation phase. Ulipristal acetate was dispensed in 71% and levonorgestrel in 26% of consultations. Prior to counselling, 80% of patients reported uncertainty regarding the optimal active ingredient, underscoring the relevance of pharmacist involvement. Survey respondents rated the tool as easy to use (97%), discreet (99%), and trustworthy (98%); 85% preferred it over standard paper-based procedures. These findings demonstrate the feasibility and patient acceptance of integrating a digital tool into routine EC services and suggest that such tools may support structured, evidence-based counselling within community pharmacy practice.