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Objective To identify and qualitatively synthesise the findings from all studies that have examined the performance and effect of near patient tests in the primary care setting. Design Systematic review of published and unpublished research 1986-99. Main outcome measures Test performance characteristics, measures of effect on clinical practice or patient outcome. Results 101 relevant publications were identified. The general quality of these papers was low, and consequently only 32 papers were assessed in detail. Although these papers gave some indication of the value of near patient testing in areas such as anticoagulation monitoring and group A haemolytic streptococcus testing, the research raised many more questions than it answered. Almost no reports were found of unbiased assessment of the effect of near patient tests in primary care on patient outcomes, organisational outcomes, or cost. Conclusions Available research provides little evidence to guide the expansion of use of near patient testing in primary care. Further research is needed in areas of clinical practice where near patient tests might be most beneficial.

In conclusion, GPs should consider asking their patients regularly about their use of OTC medicines and also consider recommending OTC use if this is cheaper than FP10s. However, the public at present do not appear to be prepared for interventions by the pharmacist.