International Pharmaceutical Federation urges governments to allow and fund point-of-care testing in pharmacy

The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is calling on governments to fund pharmacy-based point-of-care testing in publicly funded healthcare systems. FIP also provided guidance to pharmacy organizations on ways to promote point-of-care testing, including advocating for regulatory change and what to include in practice support resources. “The World Health Organization has said that when point-of-care tests are adequately performed, they improve quality of care. With this policy statement, FIP is leading on point-of-care testing in pharmacy settings as a way to strengthen health systems around the world,” said Julien Fonsart, co-chair of FIP’s policy committee on point-of-care testing, in a press release. “It is crucial for pharmacy professionals to be included in national and local strategies and I encourage all stakeholders to read the statement.” Point-of-care tests that can be performed in pharmacies include tests for COVID-19 and HIV, as well as tests that are part of disease management or to monitor outcomes of medication, like tests for lipids, blood glucose levels or International Normalized Ratio (INR). Canadian pharmacists’ scope of practice for administering point-of-care tests differs across the country. An August survey commissioned by the Canadian Pharmacists Association showed that 47% of the 1,500 Canadians surveyed believe that pharmacists can play a larger role in testing and lab services. Read: Point-of-care testing pilot shows need for pharmacist intervention The FIP statement updates one from 2004, providing specific recommendations to governments on expanding pharmacy-based point-of-care testing. This includes ensuring legislation and regulatory frameworks allows pharmacists to carry out point-of-care testing in a pharmacy and developing a fair remuneration model for pharmacists to carry it out. The FIP also provided recommendations for its member organizations, including: Setting standards and guidelines for pharmacy-based point-of-care testing; Promoting research into how it affects delivery of healthcare services; Developing practice support guidance for members. The FIP noted that in order to fully benefit from this type of testing, pharmacists must have access to electronic health records that would allow them to record, share and access test results. Plans would also be needed for where and how to refer patients if a test result indicated further care was needed. The FIP advised pharmacy programs at universities to train pharmacy students and provide continuing education to pharmacists on how to perform pharmacy-based point-of-care testing. For example, training would include seeking consent, taking biological samples and interpreting results. The FIP statement cited studies that support the health and economic benefits of pharmacy-based point-of-care testing. It lists the benefits of pharmacy-based point-of-care testing, stating these tests can: Detect diseases earlier; Triage patients in need of further medical care; Reduce unnecessary visits to physicians or emergency departments; Encourage more responsible use of antibiotics, The statement is available on the FIP website. Read: Scope of practice change will allow point-of-care testing in Ontario pharmacies

International Pharmaceutical Federation urges governments to allow and fund point-of-care testing in pharmacy

Register for free access or login.

Related Topics