Hepatitis C virus screening in community pharmacies: results on feasibility from a Swiss pilot

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.

Viral hepatitis testing and treatment in community pharmacies: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Among the single arm intervention studies, pharmacists or pharmacy staff conducted testing within the pharmacy in all studies, with the exception of two: one with testing conducted by in-reach nurses; the other by in-reach phlebotomists ( Table 2 ). Test uptake was 11.2%, 43 33.3% 47 and 57.1% 50 in the three single arm studies with available data.…”

Hepatitis Screening in Community Pharmacies as a Measure of Reducing the Rate of Infections

“…37 Patients' negative views and experiences about testing in community pharmacies were also identified as a barrier to screening. 49 Brewer et al 36 noted that 28% of patients were not willing to receive testing at community pharmacies. The lack of adequate information provision by pharmacists was one of the barriers that were constantly mentioned for not wanting to do screening in community pharmacies.…”

Hepatitis C prevalence and cascade of care among patients in the decentralised opioid agonist therapy programme of the canton of St Gallen, Switzerland: a cross-sectional study

“…Moreover offering HCV care in pharmacies has been shown to increase screening and treatment uptake [46,66], so pharmacies should be involved in the implementation of a national screening campaign. A recent publication has shown that HCV Ab screening using rapid tests with saliva is feasible in Swiss community pharmacies [67].…”