Training Student Pharmacists to Perform Point-of-Care Testing.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Clinical Diagnostics
• Point-of-Care Testing (POCT)

Background:

• Pharmacists play a crucial role in patient care and can expand services through point-of-care testing (POCT).
• Training student pharmacists in POCT enhances their skills and confidence in managing common infections like Group A streptococcus (GAS), influenza, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement a training module on POCT for student pharmacists.
• To evaluate student pharmacists' comfort, knowledge, and skills in performing and recommending POCT for GAS, influenza, and HIV.

Main Methods:

• A 3.5-hour POCT training module was integrated into a week-long course, including lectures, active learning, and practical swab technique training.
• Student performance was assessed using a skills rubric, and comfort levels were measured via pre- and post-training surveys.
• Knowledge competency was evaluated through a multiple-choice examination.

Main Results:

• High proficiency rates were observed in performing nasal (88%) and throat (86%) swabs, with all students achieving proficiency by the third attempt.
• Significant increases in student pharmacists' comfort and willingness to perform and recommend POCT were reported post-training.
• All students demonstrated competency, achieving at least 80% on the knowledge examination.

Conclusions:

• A dedicated POCT training module effectively increased student pharmacists' willingness to perform and recommend testing for GAS, influenza, and HIV.
• Expanding such training programs to pharmacy schools nationwide could significantly improve patient access to timely diagnostic testing.