Exploring pharmacists' perceptions regarding influenza and streptococcal testing within a chain pharmacy

Abstract

Objectives: To assess pharmacists' perceptions of point-of-care testing (POCT) and treatment for influenza and streptococcus pharyngitis in a community pharmacy setting. A secondary objective was to explore the correlation between demographic data and survey responses.

Methods: An anonymous electronic Likert-type-scale questionnaire was sent to pharmacists in a division of a large national supermarket chain pharmacy in western Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas. This survey was e-mailed with the use of Qualtrics Survey Software and administered from November 28, 2016, to December 31, 2016. It included questions that explored pharmacists' willingness to perform influenza and streptococcus pharyngitis POCT as well as to recommend and provide appropriate treatment. The survey also collected demographic information including age, education, and number of years practicing at current site. The survey was reviewed by a convenience sample of pharmacists in a large national supermarket chain and revised based on their feedback. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate quantitative participant responses.

Results: The electronic survey was distributed to 379 pharmacists, and the response rate for the survey was 39% (146/379). This study found that 69% either strongly agreed or agreed to be willing to perform POCT in a community pharmacy setting, and 86% either strongly agreed or agreed to be willing to recommend appropriate treatment for influenza and streptococcal pharyngitis. Secondarily, the majority of participants either strongly agreed (27%) or agreed (52%) that they possessed the clinical knowledge to treat these infections. In addition, 32% strongly agreed and 52% agreed that their staff could be trained to assist with these services. Finally, 66% either strongly agreed or agreed there were barriers to implementing this service.

Conclusion: This survey provided insight into pharmacists' perceptions of providing influenza and streptococcal pharyngitis POCT in their pharmacy and demonstrated that a majority were willing to provide treatment.