Hepatitis C Screening in Community Pharmacies-A Feasibility and Knowledge Transfer Study: PHARMA-C

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing access needs improvement.
• Novel strategies are essential for increasing HCV testing rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of rapid HCV testing in Quebec community pharmacies.
• To assess knowledge transfer (KT) among community pharmacists (CPs) regarding HCV testing.
• To identify barriers and facilitators for implementing HCV point-of-care testing.

Main Methods:

• A 6-month prospective KT study (PHARMA-C) involving CPs and health care users (HUs).
• CPs received training on HCV risk factors, rapid antibody testing, counselling, and linkage to care.
• Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires for CPs assessed feasibility and KT; HUs completed satisfaction surveys.

Main Results:

• 32 CPs were recruited; 16 CPs performed 101 HCV tests, identifying 2 positive cases linked to care.
• Post-intervention, CPs reported increased confidence in HCV risk identification, patient communication, and screening.
• 77.8% of CPs deemed HCV screening in pharmacies feasible; key barriers included time constraints and stigma concerns.

Conclusions:

• Point-of-care HCV testing by CPs is feasible in Quebec.
• Expanding pharmacists' scope of practice for HCV screening is encouraged.
• Increased pharmacist involvement can advance the HCV care cascade and elimination goals.