The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 279 No 7463 p118
4 August 2007

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SE London chlamydia pilot improves access for women

Community pharmacy is a suitable setting for chlamydia testing and treatment, according to a published evaluation of a south-east London pilot (Quality & Safety in Health Care 2007; 16:303). The study, evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of the service to users and pharmacists, involved the completion of 80 client questionnaires and 24 semi-structured interviews across three independent pharmacies.

Study investigators found that the service increased access to screening and treatment for young women at high risk of sexually transmitted infection but not for young men.

Some 94 per cent of respondents said they were “very satisfied” or “satisfied” with the service, and all felt “very comfortable” or “comfortable” discussing their sexual health with a pharmacist. However, on six occasions “professional patients” (paid to assess the pilot’s implementation) tried to obtain a test but found the trained pharmacist was unavailable. The authors identified confidentiality at the pharmacy counter as needing improvement.