Point of care testing for group A streptococci at community pharmacies
A walk-in service at community pharmacies where patients receive screening and point of care testing, with the aim of reducing low acuity GP appointment and inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. The Sore Throat Test-And-Treat service would be screened and point of care tested for group A streptococci which causes bacterial infections in the throat. If tested positive, patients can receive antibiotics from a pharmacist with the need to visit the AP.
Patients using the service reported a highly positive experience, noting the convenience of having a local walk-in screening service compared to taking time off work to attend a GP consultation. If rolled out nationally, the service could remove the need for 800,000 GP consultations equating to £34 million a year.
If you'd like to discuss this Innovation, have an idea or a new Innovation, please get in touch.