Project IMPACT: Test and Treat. Increasing access to Test and Treat services through community pharmacy

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Public Health and Epidemiology
• Health Economics

Background:

• Community pharmacists can deliver high-quality Test and Treat services for respiratory illnesses.
• Utilizing rapid molecular diagnostic tests and prescribing medication enhances patient care.
• These services address COVID-19, influenza, and strep infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of compensated and scalable pharmacist-led Test and Treat services.
• To assess patient economic considerations and the pharmacy-based care model.
• To analyze the effectiveness of rapid molecular testing for common respiratory infections.

Main Methods:

• Prospective health economics and outcomes research design.
• Enrollment of 253 patients in community pharmacy settings.
• Patient surveys to assess economic factors and satisfaction with the care model.

Main Results:

• 71 positive and 259 negative test results were recorded.
• 88% of patients with positive tests received medication within one day.
• 98% patient satisfaction and 80% willingness to pay, indicating high perceived value.

Conclusions:

• Community pharmacists effectively perform rapid molecular testing for respiratory illnesses.
• These services lead to significant interventions, high patient satisfaction, and cost savings.
• The findings support legislative authority for pharmacists to expand these healthcare services.