Cathy Balsom, Shawn Bugden, Lois A Jackson, Deborah Kelly
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: People who inject drugs (PWID) are at high risk of acquiring hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, yet many remain undiagnosed due to testing barriers. Pharmacy-based point-of-care testing could improve access; however, little is known about its acceptability among PWID.
Aim: To explore the experiences of PWID with HCV testing and their perceptions of a pharmacy-based HCV testing option.
Method: A qualitative study involving interviews with eleven PWID between June and August 2022. Participants were asked about their perceptions and experiences about HCV testing as well as their views on a proposed pharmacy-based HCV testing model which was being proposed for a separate research study. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results: Regarding their experiences with HCV testing, participants recognized the importance of testing to know their status both for their health and that of others. Several challenges to testing were described, and participants described the impact of the primary care provider on testing. It was suggested that opioid agonist therapy programs were a missed opportunity for testing, and many potential advantages to pharmacy testing were described. Privacy and confidentiality within the pharmacy, as well as the impact of the relationship with pharmacists and staff were key factors influencing uptake.
Conclusion: Pharmacy-based HCV testing is viewed by participants as a convenient and acceptable testing option. Addressing stigma, ensuring privacy, and building trust with pharmacy staff appear to be critical for uptake. This approach may help to engage PWID in HCV testing as part of HCV elimination efforts.
期刊介绍:
The International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy (IJCP) offers a platform for articles on research in Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Care and related practice-oriented subjects in the pharmaceutical sciences.
IJCP is a bi-monthly, international, peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research data, new ideas and discussions on pharmacotherapy and outcome research, clinical pharmacy, pharmacoepidemiology, pharmacoeconomics, the clinical use of medicines, medical devices and laboratory tests, information on medicines and medical devices information, pharmacy services research, medication management, other clinical aspects of pharmacy.
IJCP publishes original Research articles, Review articles , Short research reports, Commentaries, book reviews, and Letters to the Editor.
International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy is affiliated with the European Society of Clinical Pharmacy (ESCP). ESCP promotes practice and research in Clinical Pharmacy, especially in Europe. The general aim of the society is to advance education, practice and research in Clinical Pharmacy .
Until 2010 the journal was called Pharmacy World & Science.