Physicians’ Opinion Regarding Extended Access to Hormonal Contraception in Switzerland

Abstract

(1) Background: Access to hormonal contraceptives (HC) strongly differs between countries and varies from over the counter (OTC) to prescription-only availability. This study aimed to identify opinions among physicians in Switzerland regarding extended access to HC. (2) Methods: Web-based survey among physicians (gynecologists, general practitioners, and pediatricians) in Switzerland. (3) Results: Hundred sixty-three physicians, mainly gynecologists, participated in this survey and 147 (90%) were included for analysis. A total of 68% (n = 100) answered that prescription-only status could be extended under certain conditions but physicians were concerned about patients’ safety (97%, n = 142). Moreover, there was concern about insufficient patient education on HC (93%, n = 136) and that women may forego preventive examinations (80%, n = 118). Participants did not support OTC availability (93%, n = 136). Pharmacists prescribing (including initiation of HC) revealed controversial results, but a combined access model (initial prescription from physician and follow-up prescriptions by pharmacists) found acceptance in 70% (n = 103). (4) Conclusions: Participating physicians stated that prescription-only status for HC could be lifted under certain conditions but also some concerns, e.g., patients’ safety or neglection of preventive examinations, were raised. Future research should focus on specific conditions in which extended access to HC could be agreed on.

Development of a Protocol Using the Delphi Method for the ad interim Supply of Hormonal Contraceptives in Swiss Pharmacies

“…Importantly, we found pharmacists participating in our survey to be motivated and willing to train for this new service (90%; n = 299/331) [4]. In addition, our previous survey among physicians practicing in Switzerland showed that a combined access model (initial prescription by physicians and follow-up prescriptions from pharmacists) also found wide acceptance (70%; n = 103/147) [32].…”

Clinical relevance and implementation into daily practice of pharmacist-prescribed medication for the management of minor ailments

“…This is in line with practice observed in other countries such as United States ( Grossman and Fuentes, 2013 ) or Canada ( Navarrete et al, 2022 ) where the service has shown users’ acceptability and reach ( Navarrete et al, 2021 ). Nevertheless, when GPs were asked through a study carried out in Switzerland, concerns about patients’ safety aroused although combined access model (initial prescription from GPs and follow-up prescriptions by pharmacists) found acceptance ( Yous et al, 2021 ).…”

“…In general, when PP has been studied from patients or any other stakeholders, common results have been found such as ease of patient access to healthcare, improved patient outcomes, better use of pharmacists’ skills or reduced physician workload. But also, negative aspects have been highlighted such as the lack of access to patient clinical records or limited pharmacist diagnosis skills ( Famiyeh and McCarthy, 2017 ; Jebara et al, 2018 ; Yous et al, 2021 ).…”