Point-of-care testing and counseling at community pharmacies

Abstract

Abstract An increasing number of patients seek advice at community pharmacies in terms of prevention, detection and initial management of certain conditions and diseases. Some countries have introduced pharmacy-based screening programs and counseling. The objective of this work was to analyze the situation on providing screening and counseling at community pharmacies in Armenia. The staff of randomly selected community pharmacies located in various regions of Armenia was asked to complete pre-tested questionnaire. The data were analysed with SPSS statistical software, version 22.0. 62.9% of 353 responded professionals reported availability of conditions for monitoring blood pressure, 14.4% - for monitoring glucose level, 11.3% - for doing pregnancy test, 9.6% - for testing cholesterol, 2.0% - for monitoring asthma using peak flow meter. 86.7% indicated accessibility of conditions for private discussion with patients. Small number of pharmacy professionals reported that during the last year they were engaged in diabetes management (10.2%) and HIV/AIDS/TB management (7.9%). 7.4% of respondents were involved in family planning activity. 97.5% of pharmacy professionals considers that being active in providing general health information to patients is important and 89.2% reported about being active. The number of professionals who are active in providing general health information to patients is significantly higher among those who attended continuing education courses than among those who did not (p = 0.003). Only part of community pharmacies is able to provide point-of-care testing. Professionals are rarely involved in disease management. They are active in providing general health information. Continuing education improves situation with engagement of pharmacy professionals in public health activity. Key messages There is need to improve the situation with providing point-of-care testing at community pharmacies. Training increases involvement of community pharmacists in public health.