Pharmacists' Opinions on the Implementation of HIV and HepC Point-of-Care-Testing in a U.S. Pharmacy Chain.

backgroundThe role of community pharmacists continues to expand with immunizations, medication therapy management, and point-of-care testing (POCT). Current guidelines recommend that Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) testing become integrated into routine care. Current guidelines recommend all people aged 13-64 be tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime, with those at higher risk for HIV tested at least annually.

objectiveThe main objective of this study is to identify pharmacist-perceived barriers and their level of confidence in performing community pharmacy-based POCT for HIV and HCV.

methodsA cross-sectional survey was sent to all pharmacists working in a regional grocery store chain to evaluate their opinions and attitudes toward the implementation of POCT for HIV and HCV. The electronic survey questions consisted of Likert scale, select-all-thatapply, yes/no and no open-ended questions.

resultsThe perceived barriers to implementation of HIV and HCV POCT in a community setting identified by pharmacists include staffing, time to conduct test, patient out-of-pocket cost, and discussion of positive results. Pharmacists' perceived level of confidence was greatest with providing basic education and incorporating HIV and HCV POCT into workflow; whereas discussion of a positive result was perceived as less confident.

conclusionsWhile this survey determined pharmacist support for the implementation of HIV and HCV POCT, additional studies are needed before effective implementation of HIV and HCV POCT in a community pharmacy chain.