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Background Targeted interventions in community pharmacies, such as point-of-care C-reactive protein testing, could reduce inappropriate antimicrobial consumption in patients presenting with symptoms of respiratory tract infections, although data regarding Australian pharmacists' perspectives on its provision are limited. Aim To explore pharmacists' experiences and perspectives of point-of-care C-reactive protein testing, including barriers and facilitators, influencing service provision and uptake. Method A point-of-care C-reactive protein testing service for patients presenting with respiratory tract infection symptoms was trialled in five purposively selected community pharmacies in metropolitan Western Australia. Two pharmacists from each pharmacy participated in one-to-one semi-structured telephone interviews, regarding pharmacist demographics, pharmacy characteristics, experience with the point-of-care C-reactive protein service and training/resources. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Data were imported into NVivo for thematic analysis. Results Interview durations ranged from 28.2 to 60.2 min (mean: 50.7 ± 10.2 min). Of the five themes which emerged, participants reported the point-of-care C-reactive protein testing was simple, fast, reliable and accurate, assisted their clinical decision-making and contributed to antimicrobial stewardship. A major factor facilitating service provision and uptake by consumers was the accessibility and credibility of pharmacists. Barriers included time constraints and heavy documentation. Participants believed there was a public demand for the service. Conclusion Given the global antimicrobial resistance crisis, pharmacists have an important role in minimising the inappropriate use of antimicrobials. The point-of-care C-reactive protein service was readily accepted by the public when offered. However, ensuring efficient service delivery and adequate remuneration are essential for its successful implementation., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Background: Point-of-care (POC) C-reactive protein (CRP) testing is employed in European primary care settings to differentiate viral from bacterial respiratory tract infections (RTIs) the latter, requiring referral for antibiotics. This service has yet to be trialled in Australian community pharmacy to support over-the-counter RTI management., Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility, based on clinical and operational outcomes, of POC CRP testing to support Western Australian community pharmacists' management of RTIs., Methods: Patients with RTI signs and symptoms were recruited from June-August 2019 at 5 community pharmacies. Trained pharmacists made recommendations based on participants' POC CRP levels and routine clinical assessment. Participants completed questionnaires and telephone follow-ups on Days 3 (by pharmacists) and 5 (by researchers) post-testing. Service provision and uptake were assessed in 3 separate weekly tally sheets., Results: Clinical outcomes: CRP levels among the 131 participants recruited were: < 5 mg/L (bacterial infection unlikely; n = 60; 45.8%); 5-19 mg/L (bacterial infection possible if suggestive routine assessment; n = 52; 39.7%) and 20-100 mg/L (bacterial infection likely if suggestive routine assessment; n = 19; 14.5%). Pharmacists' management included over-the-counter medicines (131, 100%), self-care advice (125, 95.4%) and immediate general practitioner (GP) referral (15, 11.5%). Sixty-five percent (76/117) of participants had recovered by Day 5. Operational outcomes: The services was provided in 21.2% of eligible RTI presentations, representing a service uptake rate of 28.1%. Post-CRP testing, 50.9% (58/114) of participants had changed perceptions regarding their need for antibiotics, with 14.3% (16/112) subsequently intending to seek a GP prescription. Consumer satisfaction was high (100%) and most participants (93.4%, 123/131) would utilise the service again., Conclusions: POC CRP testing was a feasible and well-accepted strategy to facilitate community pharmacy as a triage point for RTI. Consumer confidence in the pharmacists' advice, supported by CRP testing, potentially reduced unnecessary GP visits and antibiotic prescribing., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)