[HIV self-tests in community pharmacies Inventory and practice recommendations for interprofessional collaborations]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pharmacology
• Infectious Diseases

Context:

• Swissmedic authorized HIV self-test distribution in pharmacies in June 2018.
• The World Health Organisation recommends self-testing for individuals with risk situations over three months prior.
• No specific guidelines exist for pharmacists regarding HIV self-testing in Switzerland.

Purpose:

• To provide practical recommendations for pharmacists on distributing HIV self-tests.
• To foster interprofessional collaboration in HIV screening and management.
• To address the lack of official guidelines for pharmacy-based HIV self-testing.

Summary:

• This article outlines recommendations for Swiss pharmacists on the distribution of HIV self-tests, authorized since June 2018.
• It emphasizes the role of self-testing as a screening tool for individuals with past risk exposures.
• The recommendations aim to facilitate interprofessional collaboration in the absence of specific regulatory guidelines.

Impact:

• Enhance the accessibility of HIV screening through community pharmacies.
• Improve pharmacist's role in public health initiatives for HIV prevention.
• Strengthen collaboration between healthcare professionals for better HIV patient outcomes.