ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: RDT and self-tests are sold in pharmacies. These are medical biology procedures that are currently reserved for biologists. Nevertheless, their use is now being reinforced by the COVID-19 pandemic. What role should the dispensing pharmacist have in relation to the patient? What role can the biologist have in this system? METHODS: A survey was carried out in pharmacies in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, as well as in Cameroon during the summer of 2020, to evaluate the use of RDT and self-tests. The answers obtained to the 10 questions were discussed after a simple statistical analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred and eighty-three pharmacies and 13 Cameroonian pharmacies participated in our survey. Pharmacists want to develop the use of RDT and self-test, but agree that training is necessary. Some tests are dispensed despite their unproven clinical usefulness. CONCLUSIONS: The delivery of TRODs and self-tests is acquired in pharmacies despite the reluctance of biologists. Pharmacists should be trained by biologists to use these tests in a relevant and appropriate manner.
Subject(s)
COVID-19/diagnosis , Pharmacists , Reagent Kits, Diagnostic/standards , Cameroon , Community Pharmacy Services , France , Humans , Pandemics , Pharmacies , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
The point-of-care tests (POCT) are subject to accreditation. A national inventory survey provides a synthesis of knowledge. The survey distributed 31 questions in 2019. 147 responses were received (75% biologists, 49% CHU, 42% CHG). Only 20.41% are accredited ISO22870, the majority for <50% of the medical departments; 70% say they are going there at the end of 2019 or in 2020. The maps are unknown for 32% (EBMD) and 82% (TROD). Visibility is poor with: medical establishment committee (40%), IT department (31%). Connection is necessary for 87-95% depending on the criterion (QC, authorizations, etc.) and 66% of answers highlight that less than 50% of connexion is effective. The major advantage is the delay of the result (62.5%), then the relationship with the health teams (33.3%). The disadvantages: difficulty of the quality approach (45%), cost of tests (34.3%). Human resource requirements are identified for technicians (82%) and biologists (76%). The multiplicity of sites, devices and operators means that it is difficult to set up and maintain. Biology outside the laboratories, under biological responsibility, must meet a rigorous imperative quality approach.