COMMUNITY pharmacists in Wales are conducting trials to determine whether a "test and treat" scheme at community pharmacies may alleviate stress on general practitioners and increase appropriate antibiotic prescriptions.
Announced last year, the pilot scheme involves two select pharmacies in areas covered by the Cwm Taf and Betsi Cadwaladr health boards, with plans for a national rollout if the project is deemed successful.
Pharmacists use an on-the-spot throat swab when patients report symptoms of a sore throat.
They are then able to run diagnostic tests to determine whether the cause is viral or bacterial, and subsequently prescribe the appropriate antibiotics if warranted.
So far, the Betsi Cadwaladr area has held 390 sore throat consultations - 86% of those cases did not need antibiotics, while 55 people were prescribed antibiotics.
Similar results were found in Cwm Taf where more than 400 people used the service, and at least 75% did not require antibiotic treatment.
The Cmw Taf health board reported that 90% of participants said that they would have scheduled an appointment with a general practitioner if the service was not active.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 26 Apr 19
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