Enhancing Discretion and Consistency in Emergency Contraception Counselling: Implementation of a Digital Support Tool in Community Pharmacies

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.