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Hayes MJ, Beavon E, Traeger MW, Dillon JF, Radley A, Nielsen S, Byrne CJ, Richmond J, Higgs P, Hellard ME, Doyle JS. Viral hepatitis testing and treatment in community pharmacies: a systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 69:102489. [PMID: 38440399 PMCID: PMC10909633 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The World Health Organization seeks to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. This review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of programs for hepatitis B and C testing and treatment in community pharmacies. Methods Medline, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Global Health were searched from database inception until 12 November 2023. Comparative and single arm intervention studies were eligible for inclusion if they assessed delivery of any of the following interventions for hepatitis B or C in pharmacies: (1) pre-testing risk assessment, (2) testing, (3) pre-treatment assessment or (4) treatment. Primary outcomes were proportions testing positive and reaching each stage in the cascade. Random effects meta-analysis was used to estimate pooled proportions stratified by recruitment strategy and setting where possible; other results were synthesised narratively. This study was pre-registered (PROSPERO: CRD42022324218). Findings Twenty-seven studies (4 comparative, 23 single arm) were included, of which 26 reported hepatitis C outcomes and four reported hepatitis B outcomes. History of injecting drug use was the most identified risk factor from pre-testing risk assessments. The pooled proportion hepatitis C antibody positive from of 19 studies testing 5096 participants was 16.6% (95% CI 11.0%-23.0%; heterogeneity I2 = 96.6%). The pooled proportion antibody positive was significantly higher when testing targeted people with specified risk factors (32.5%, 95% CI 24.8%-40.6%; heterogeneity I2 = 82.4%) compared with non-targeted or other recruitment methods 4.0% (95% CI 2.1%-6.5%; heterogeneity I2 = 83.5%). Meta-analysis of 14 studies with 813 participants eligible for pre-treatment assessment showed pooled attendance rates were significantly higher in pharmacies (92.7%, 95% CI 79.1%-99.9%; heterogeneity I2 = 72.4%) compared with referral to non-pharmacy settings (53.5%, 95% CI 36.5%-70.1%; heterogeneity I2 = 92.3%). The pooled proportion initiating treatment was 85.6% (95% CI 74.8%-94.3%; heterogeneity I2 = 75.1%). This did not differ significantly between pharmacy and non-pharmacy settings. Interpretation These findings add pharmacies to the growing evidence supporting community-based testing and treatment for hepatitis C. Few comparative studies and high degrees of statistical heterogeneity were important limitations. Hepatitis B care in pharmacies presents an opportunity for future research. Funding None.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael W. Traeger
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - John F. Dillon
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Dundee School of Medicine, Dundee, UK
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Andrew Radley
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Dundee School of Medicine, Dundee, UK
- NHS Tayside, Dundee, UK
| | - Suzanne Nielsen
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher J. Byrne
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Dundee School of Medicine, Dundee, UK
- NHS Tayside, Dundee, UK
| | | | - Peter Higgs
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Margaret E. Hellard
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joseph S. Doyle
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Price E, Shirtcliffe A, Fisher T, Chadwick M, Marra CA. A systematic review of economic evaluations of pharmacist services. Int J Pharm Pract 2023; 31:459-471. [PMID: 37543960 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riad052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Challenges to the provision of health care are occurring internationally and are expected to increase in the future, further increasing health spending. As pharmacist roles are evolving and expanding internationally to provide individualised pharmaceutical care it is important to assess the cost-effectiveness of these services. OBJECTIVES To systematically synthesise the international literature regarding published economic evaluations of pharmacy services to assess their cost-effectiveness and clinical outcomes. METHODS A systematic review of economic evaluations of pharmacy services was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, IPA and online journals with search functions likely to publish economic evaluations of pharmacy services. Data were extracted regarding the interventions, the time horizon, the outcomes and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Studies' quality of reporting was assessed using the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standard (CHEERS) statement. RESULTS Seventy-five studies were included in the systematic review, including 67 cost-effectiveness analyses, 6 cost-benefit analyses and 2 cost-consequence analyses. Of these, 57 were either dominant or cost-effective using a willingness-to-pay threshold of NZ$46 645 per QALY. A further 11 studies' cost-effectiveness were unable to be evaluated. Interventions considered to be most cost-effective included pharmacist medication reviews, pharmacist adherence strategies and pharmacist management of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and warfarin/INR monitoring. The quality of reporting of studies differed with no studies reporting all 28 items of the CHEERS statement. CONCLUSIONS There is strong economic evidence to support investment in extended pharmacist services, particularly those focussed on long-term chronic health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Price
- Division of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Andi Shirtcliffe
- Allied Health Office of the Chief Clinical Officers System Performance and Monitoring Ministry of Health, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Thelma Fisher
- Centre for Pacific Health Information Services, University Library, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Martin Chadwick
- Office of the Chief Clinical Officers, Ministry of Health, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Carlo A Marra
- Division of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Pegump KN, Nichols RE, Polgreen LA, Veach SR, Crowner AB, Witry MJ. Hepatitis C screening in a community pharmacy setting: Patient perspective. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2023; 63:S78-S82. [PMID: 36804712 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2023.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an infection of the liver, which contributes to over 15,000 deaths in the United States annually. When treated, HCV has a 90% or greater cure rate, however testing for HCV remains low. OBJECTIVES To assess patient perspectives on HCV screenings in the community pharmacy setting including awareness of screening, willingness to be screened, barriers to screening, and willingness to pay for HCV screening. METHODS This study used a cross-sectional survey design. The surveys were distributed by staff at an independent community pharmacy participating in an HCV screening initiative through the state department of public health. Eligible patients were born between 1945 and 1965. Descriptive statistics were calculated for survey variables. Open-ended responses were analyzed for additional context. RESULTS Fifty-seven surveys were returned and analyzed. The majority of the respondents were White (94%), female (56%), and had some college education (26%). Only 7% were aware that a finger-stick point-of-care test was available and 67% were unaware of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation for testing. The most frequently reported barrier or hesitation to screening was the patient not thinking they were at risk (29%) followed by uncertainty about cost (14%). Over half of respondents (63%) were either somewhat interested or very interested in testing in a community pharmacy, however, the majority (71%) were not willing to pay or only willing to pay less than $20. CONCLUSIONS Survey respondents were largely unaware of the recommendations and availability of finger-stick HCV screenings at community pharmacies but many were willing to be tested if low-cost. Providing patient education on the importance of HCV screenings and CDC recommendations may bolster interest in screening.
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Stämpfli D, Imfeld-Isenegger TL, Hersberger KE, Messerli M. Hepatitis C virus screening in community pharmacies: results on feasibility from a Swiss pilot. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:384. [PMID: 37286975 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08362-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are a public health burden worldwide and often go undetected until sequelae develop. Offering HCV screening for the different vulnerable populations in community pharmacies could help prevent further undetected HCV infections. This pilot aimed to assess the feasibility and pharmacist acceptance of HCV rapid antibody saliva testing in community pharmacies. METHODS A structured pharmaceutical care intervention was developed that included addressing, informing, and screening clients, as well as referral and reporting to subsequent health care providers. Participating pharmacies from French-, German- and Italian-speaking parts of Switzerland were trained to provide this service to local vulnerable populations. Information on client recruitment, feasibility, and acceptability of HCV screening was collected. RESULTS Of 36 pharmacies initially recruited, 25 started the pilot and approached 435 clients, 145 of whom (33%) were interested in screening. Eight of these rapid antibody tests returned positive (prevalence rate: 5.5%). Facilitators were being able to offer a free rapid test (73%), followed by having training prior to the project (67%) and having a new service to offer (67%). The possibility of clients reacting dismissively (53%) and of unsettling clients (47%) were reported to be the main barriers. CONCLUSIONS This pilot demonstrated the general feasibility of an HCV screening service with rapid antibody saliva testing in Swiss community pharmacies, which achieved a higher prevalence rate than national estimates. With appropriate communication training and remuneration, Swiss community pharmacies could be an important partner in implementing HCV elimination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Stämpfli
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, CH-8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Hospital Pharmacy, Kantonsspital Baden, Switzerland.
- Pharmaceutical Care Network Switzerland, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Tamara Leila Imfeld-Isenegger
- Hospital Pharmacy, Luzerner Kantonsspital, Luzern, Switzerland
- Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kurt E Hersberger
- Pharmaceutical Care Network Switzerland, Basel, Switzerland
- Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus Messerli
- Pharmaceutical Care Network Switzerland, Basel, Switzerland
- Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Cook C, Reid L, Smith S, Crockford D, El Sharkawy AM, McPherson S, Wright M, Radley A, Malik H, Keall S, Catt J, Shah S, Hampton H, Powell J, Morris D, Boothman H, Khakoo SI, Parkes J, Buchanan RM. I-COPTIC: Implementation of community pharmacy-based testing for hepatitis C: Delphi consensus protocol. Int J Pharm Pract 2022; 30:541-547. [PMID: 35997159 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riac064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The World Health Organisation aims to eliminate Hepatitis C (HCV) by 2030. To achieve this, targeted testing needs to be widely available. Studies have demonstrated that community pharmacies can deliver effective targeted testing for HCV and the National Health Service in England has commissioned a national service. However, a recent survey of HCV operational delivery networks has shown limited uptake of this service. The objective of this protocol is to guide the formation of a consensus statement to facilitate the widespread implementation of community pharmacy-based targeted testing for HCV. METHOD We will use a modified Delphi method. A purposive selection of panel participants will be identified and recruited from a national survey and via chain-referral sampling. The main inclusion criteria for selection is direct involvement in the implementation of an HCV testing service in pharmacies. We aim for a heterogenous group, encompassing all aspects of the testing service. We will conduct a three round Delphi. The first round will consist of open questions which will be qualitatively analysed using thematic analysis with a framework method based on the WHO Health Systems Framework. This analysis will generate statements, that will be sent to the participants in the second round. A third round will be used where consensus is not reached. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this Delphi consensus study will facilitate the widespread implementation of targeted testing for HCV in community pharmacies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Deborah Crockford
- Hampshire & Isle of Wight LPC (operating as Community Pharmacy South Central) , Hampshire , UK
| | - Ahmed M El Sharkawy
- Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham , Birmingham , UK
- National Institute for Health Research, Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust , Birmingham , UK
| | - Stuart McPherson
- Liver Unit, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK
- The Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University , Newcastle upon Tyne , UK
| | - Mark Wright
- University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust , Southampton , UK
| | - Andrew Radley
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee , Dundee , UK
- Ninewells Hospital, NHS Tayside , Dundee , UK
| | | | | | - Janet Catt
- Kings College NHS Foundation Trust , London , UK
| | - Sital Shah
- Kings College NHS Foundation Trust , London , UK
| | | | - Julia Powell
- Community Pharmacy Surrey and Sussex , Surrey , UK
| | | | | | - Salim I Khakoo
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton , Southampton , UK
| | - Julie Parkes
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton , Southampton , UK
| | - Ryan M Buchanan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton , Southampton , UK
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Myring G, Lim AG, Hollingworth W, McLeod H, Beer L, Vickerman P, Hickman M, Radley A, Dillon JF. Cost-effectiveness of pharmacy-led versus conventionally delivered antiviral treatment for hepatitis C in patients receiving opioid substitution therapy: An economic evaluation alongside a pragmatic cluster randomised trial. J Infect 2022; 85:676-682. [PMID: 36170895 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2022.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elimination targets for hepatitis C have been set across the world. In the UK almost 90% of infections are in people who inject drugs. Evidence shows community case-finding is effective at identifying and treating undiagnosed patients. The aim of this analysis was to assess, from a healthcare provider perspective, the cost-effectiveness of a new pharmacist-led test and treat pathway for hepatitis C in opioid agonist treatment (OAT) patients attending community pharmacies compared to conventional care. METHODS In a cluster randomised controlled trial, pharmacies were randomised to the pharmacist-led or conventional care pathway. Mean cost per OAT patient and per patient initiating treatment was identified for each pathway. A Markov model tracking disease progression was developed, with a 50-year time horizon and 3·5% time discount rate, to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained and the probability of being cost-effective at a £30,000 per QALY willingness-to-pay threshold. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed for a range of drug discounts, re-infection rates, and model assumptions. FINDINGS Mean cost per OAT patient (£3,674 vs £1,965) and per patient initiating treatment (£863 vs £404) was higher in the pharmacist-led pathway, due to higher uptake of testing and pharmacist time requirements. Over a 50-year time horizon the ICER per QALY gained was £31,612 at NHS indicative price for treatment (£38,979 for 12 weeks) and 12·1/100 person-years re-infection rate, reducing to £21,027/£10,220/-£501 per QALY gained with 30%/60%/90% drug price discounts and £25,373/£21,738/£14,912 per QALY gained at re-infection rates of 8/5/2 per 100 person-years. At 30%/60%/90% drug discount rates, the pharmacist-led pathway has an 80%/98%/100% probability of being cost-effective. INTERPRETATION The pharmacist-led pathway is effective at increasing testing and treatment uptake, with cost-effectiveness being highly dependent on drug price discounts. FUNDING Trial funding provided by the Scottish Government, Gilead Sciences, and Bristol-Myers Squibb.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Myring
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, BS8 1UD, UK; The National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West) at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol BS1 2NT, UK.
| | - A G Lim
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, BS8 1UD, UK
| | - W Hollingworth
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, BS8 1UD, UK; The National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West) at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol BS1 2NT, UK
| | - H McLeod
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, BS8 1UD, UK; The National Institute for Health Research Applied Research Collaboration West (NIHR ARC West) at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol BS1 2NT, UK
| | - L Beer
- Tayside Clinical Trials Unit, Tayside Medical Science Centre, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - P Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, BS8 1UD, UK
| | - M Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, BS8 1UD, UK
| | - A Radley
- Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Clinical & Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - J F Dillon
- Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Clinical & Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
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Duong M, Delcher C, Freeman PR, Young A, Cooper H. Attitudes toward pharmacy-based HCV/HIV testing among people who use drugs in rural Kentucky. J Rural Health 2022; 38:93-99. [PMID: 33666274 PMCID: PMC8418619 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Rural areas of the United States have experienced outbreaks of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among people who use drugs (PWUD). Pharmacy-based interventions may play a crucial role in prevention and entry into care, especially when traditional health care access is limited. The willingness of rural PWUD to use pharmacies for HIV/HCV-related services remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to describe the factors associated with the perceived likelihood of participating in free pharmacy-based HIV and HCV testing among PWUD living in rural Kentucky. METHODS Baseline data from the CARE2HOPE study in five Appalachian counties in eastern Kentucky were used. Participants were recruited using respondent-driven sampling and completed interviewer-administered surveys. Guided by the Andersen and Newman Framework of Health Services Utilization, we examined distributions and correlates of items regarding willingness to participate in free pharmacy-based HIV/HCV testing using logistic regression. Analyses included individuals who reported being HIV (N = 304) or HCV (N = 185) negative. FINDINGS Seventy-five percent of PWUD reported being "very likely" to participate in free pharmacy-based HIV testing and 80% for HCV testing. Two factors were associated with being less willing to participate in free HIV testing: PWUD who previously tested for HIV (OR: 0.47, CI: 0.25-0.88) and PWUD who obtained a high school diploma or equivalent compared to those who completed less (OR: 0.50, CI: 0.26-0.99). CONCLUSION Free pharmacy-based HIV and HCV testing was invariably acceptable among most of the rural PWUD in our sample, suggesting that pharmacies might be acceptable testing venues for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Duong
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Chris Delcher
- Department of Pharmacy Practice & Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Patricia R. Freeman
- Department of Pharmacy Practice & Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - April Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky,Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Hannah Cooper
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pharmacists are increasingly providing patient-focused services in community pharmacies, including in the area of sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Specific SRH areas have been the focus of research, but a broader perspective is needed to position pharmacists as SRH providers. This review explored research that described and evaluated professional pharmacy services across a broad range of SRH areas. DESIGN Scoping review DATA SOURCES: Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library (January 2007-July 2020). STUDY SELECTION Studies reporting on the description and evaluation of professional pharmacy SRH services provided by community pharmacists. DATA EXTRACTION Two investigators screened studies for eligibility, and one investigator extracted the data. Data were analysed to primarily describe professional pharmacy services and intervention outcomes. RESULTS Forty-one studies were included. The main SRH areas and professional pharmacy services reported were sexually transmitted and bloodborne infections (63%) and screening (39%), respectively. Findings showed that pharmacists' delivery of SRH services was feasible, able to reach vulnerable and high-risk groups, and interventions were highly accepted and valued by users. However, integration into daily workflow, pharmacist remuneration, cost and reimbursement for patients, and policy regulations were some of the barriers identified to implementing SRH services. Studies were primarily in specific areas such as chlamydia screening or hormonal contraception prescribing, while studies in other areas (ie, medical abortion provision, long-acting reversible contraception prescribing and vaccine delivery in pregnant women) were lacking. CONCLUSION This scoping review highlights the expansion of pharmacists' roles beyond traditional product-focused services in a number of SRH areas. Given the potential feasibility, users' acceptability and reach, pharmacists are ideally situated to enhance SRH care access. Future research describing implementation and evaluation of professional pharmacy services in all SRH areas is needed to promote access to these services through community pharmacies and position pharmacists as SRH providers worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javiera Navarrete
- Faculty of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nese Yuksel
- Faculty of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Theresa J Schindel
- Faculty of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Christine A Hughes
- Faculty of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Pontinha VM, Wagner TD, Holdford DA. Point-of-care testing in pharmacies-An evaluation of the service from the lens of resource-based theory of competitive advantage. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2020; 61:e45-e54. [PMID: 33309067 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2020.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Point-of-care tests (POCTs) are innovative services that are increasingly offered in community pharmacies. Assessments of these services should consider their financial sustainability in addition to their effectiveness if they are to be successful over time in a competitive environment. OBJECTIVES The aim of this research was to review and evaluate the POCT practice innovations literature through the lens of the resource-based theory (RBT) of competitive advantage. DATA SOURCES Articles describing POCT services were identified systematically through PubMed, exclusively. STUDY SELECTION All POCT articles in the review met the following inclusion criteria: (1) articles were published after 1999; (2) interventions were pharmacist-led innovations within a community pharmacy; (3) articles described research studies with results; and (4) articles were published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. DATA EXTRACTION The RBT was operationalized using a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats matrix and a business model canvas, which were employed to extract and analyze data. Articles were assessed according to the degree to which they articulated elements that the RBT needed to assess their financial sustainability in targeted markets. RESULTS A total of 36 articles describing POCTs and associated services were included in this review. Most of the studies reported aspects pertaining to the contextual environment of the innovation, value proposition, key activities, partners, and channels of distribution. However, the competitive dimension of the environment, as well as the cost structure and revenue streams, were often neglected in the studies. CONCLUSIONS The RBT is a widely tested framework that can be used for planning and reporting POCT practice innovations. On the basis of this framework, pharmacists seem to do a good job in describing how to provide POCT but fall short in explaining how these services are sustainable over time.
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