The impact of a community pharmacy cough, cold and flu service on antibiotic prescribing and its acceptability

Study (n=425) of this service, which included POC testing for CRP and strep A, assessed over 3-month-period in 5 community pharmacies in Northern Ireland, demonstrated positive results in the reduction of antibiotic use and high satisfaction rates among users and providers.

SPS commentary:

In this study, 89% (n=378) of patients stated that they would have visited their GP if the service had not been available. A CRP test was performed for 286 patients (67%) and those with a CRP value > 80mg/L were referred to a GP for antibiotic treatment. Based on Centor scores of ≥3, 13% (n=56) of patients were offered a strep A test, of which 25% (n=14) tested positive and were offered an antibiotic based on a patient group directive.

Pharmaceutical Journal