Point-of-care C-reactive protein testing in community pharmacy for respiratory tract infections

摘要

Introduction: This pilot study sought to evaluate the potential use of point-of-care (POO) C-reaotive protein (CRP) testing for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in a rural community pharmacy in North Staffordshire, UK, in conjunction with local GP practices. The study was performed between February and August 2017. Methods: A total of 52 patients were entered into the study. Overall, 25 patients were referred via GP surgeries, 6 by pharmacy staff and 21 self-referred as a result of a consumer awareness campaign. Patients were asked questions by the community pharmacist to establish if a POO ORP test was required or whether referral to another healthcare professional was suitable. In total, 44 patients were determined to be suitable for POO ORP testing. All patients were followed up at three and seven days by the community pharmacist by telephone to assess their course of action following the pharmacist intervention and their satisfaction with the process. Results: Following the POO ORP test, 6 patients were referred to the GP surgery, 5 were allocated to the 'watch and waif category and 33 were recommended self care. Of the 'watch and wait' and self-oare patients (n=38), none of them required subsequent GP referral. Overall, 95% of patients who received the POO ORP test reported that they would have otherwise visited the GP and would have expected to be prescribed antibiotics. Discussion: Although participant numbers were small, owing to seasonality, this study indicates that community pharmacies and GP surgeries oan deliver an effective service together with a high degree of patient satisfaction. Conclusion: The use of POO ORP testing in community pharmacies has the potential to reduce the number of GP appointments caused by RTIs and, therefore, may help reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing.