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The pharmacy screening project--an evaluation of pharmacy-based screening programmes.
K Flobbe1, C B IJsselmuiden, P Rheeder
1Department of Community Health, University of Pretoria.
South African Medical Journal = Suid-Afrikaanse Tydskrif Vir Geneeskunde
|November 11, 1999
Summary
Most pharmacies offer screening tests, but pharmacists lack knowledge and quality control. Training and improved services are needed for pharmacies to effectively screen for diseases.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Public Health
- Clinical Pharmacy
Background:
- Community pharmacies are increasingly involved in public health services.
- Screening tests offered by pharmacies can improve early disease detection.
- Understanding the current scope and quality of pharmacy-based screening is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of screening tests offered by pharmacies in Pretoria, Potchefstroom, and Klerksdorp.
- To identify the types of tests, costs, and patient selection criteria used.
- To assess pharmacists' attitudes, knowledge, and quality control practices for screening tests.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 155 randomly selected pharmacies in Pretoria and all 43 pharmacies in Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp.
- Pharmacies were contacted by phone to identify screening services, followed by in-person administration of a questionnaire.
- Data collected included types of tests, frequency of use, referral practices, and pharmacist knowledge.
Main Results:
- 57% of pharmacies provided at least one screening test, with blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and pregnancy tests being most common.
- Most tests, excluding blood pressure, were performed infrequently (<5 times/week).
- Pharmacists demonstrated poor knowledge of test characteristics and lacked quality control measures; only 35% kept patient records.
Conclusions:
- Significant gaps exist in pharmacists' knowledge and quality control for screening tests.
- Specific training on screening procedures and implementing quality control are essential to improve service quality.
- Increased population coverage and enhanced pharmacy services are needed for effective disease screening.
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