Undertaking an oral contraceptive pill review.

This article provides nurses with an understanding of the process for undertaking an annual oral contraceptive pill review effectively. This is commonly referred to as a 'pill check', and is the responsibility of many nurses working in primary care and sexual health services. Undertaking a pill check requires an understanding of the different types of oral contraceptive pills and associated risk factors. This article refers to recommendations from the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, the lead body in the UK for standards and guidance relating to family planning and sexual health. It enables nurses to consider a variety of factors during a pill check, assisting women to make informed decisions about contraception in partnership with the healthcare practitioner. It advocates using a systematic approach to the pill check and emphasises the importance of collaborating with other healthcare colleagues, such as GPs or independent prescribers.