In 2005, the rate of prescription-free consultations in Europe varied widely: 57% in the Netherlands, 28% in Germany, 17% in Spain and 10% in France.

To assess the number of prescription-free consultations in European countries since 2005 and to analyse the perceptions of patients and general practitioners (GPs).

This was a systematic review of the literature from 2005 to 2019, including both quantitative and qualitative studies on prescription-free consultations.

Of 13,380 studies, 28 were included. The rates of prescription-free consultations were 30% in Belgium, 41% in Slovenia, 47% in the UK and 22% in France, according to the most recent figures. Swedish GPs estimated their prescription-free consultation rate at 70%. The only significant factor that decreased the number of prescription-free consultations was laboratory visits. According to the qualitative data, the main constraint was lack of time; the main facilitating factor was a shared medical decision.

Medical visits decreased the number of prescription-free consultations. According to qualitative studies, the main barrier was lack of time. The countries with the highest drug consumption levels were those with the lowest number of prescription-free consultations. Achieving prescription-free consultations to combat overmedication and for the quality of care and the environment is a priority. To understand and analyse consultations without prescriptions, a quantitative observational study was launched in France in 2020.