Test, Already!

The future of pharmacy is likely to be shaped by several trends, including advancements in technology, changing demographics, and evolving healthcare needs. Pharmacies must stay ahead of the trend by offering patients more than prescriptions and free delivery. It’s time for pharmacies to become a healthcare destination, which is what patients want.

Are You Offering Your Patients What They Want?

What Services Do Patients Want?

1. Increased use of telepharmacy: Telepharmacy allows pharmacists to provide services remotely through videoconferencing, messaging, or phone calls. As more people adopt telehealth as a convenient and accessible way to receive care, telepharmacy is likely to become more common.
2. Point of Care Testing: Point of care testing refers to medical testing that is conducted at or near the site of patient care, such as in a pharmacy, rather than in a central laboratory. This approach has been shown to improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance the role of pharmacies in the healthcare system. According to a study published in the Journal of Medical Economics, POCT for influenza can result in a savings of approximately $120 per patient compared to laboratory-based testing.
3. Greater emphasis on personalized medicine: As genetic testing becomes more affordable and accessible; pharmacists could play a greater role in tailoring medications to a patient's unique genetic makeup. This could lead to more precise dosing and reduced side effects.
4. Expansion of clinical services: Pharmacists are increasingly taking on roles as part of a patient's care team, providing services such as medication management, chronic disease management, and preventive care. As the demand for these services grows, pharmacists are likely to expand their scope of practice.
5. Integration of technology: The use of technology in pharmacy is already widespread, but as new technologies emerge, pharmacies are likely to incorporate them to improve patient care. For example, smart pill bottles that can remind patients when to take their medication or track their adherence could become more common.
6. Focus on prevention: As healthcare systems shift from a focus on treating illness to preventing it, pharmacists could play a larger role in providing preventive care services such as screenings, immunizations, and lifestyle counseling.
   
   

What Service Should You Start Implementing Today?

The use of POCT is increasing rapidly, with estimates suggesting that up to 70% of medical decisions are based on laboratory test results. According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the global point of care diagnostics market is projected to reach USD 46.7 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 8.0% from 2020 to 2025. 

POCT is a fast-growing market, and we predict it to be the number one service that patients are looking for at the pharmacy. Below are the top reasons why you should offer testing services in your pharmacy.

Why Patients Want POCT Services from Your Pharmacy

1. Convenience: Patients can get tested at their local pharmacy without having to schedule an appointment with a physician or travel to a laboratory.
2. Accessibility: Pharmacies are often located in convenient locations, making it easier for patients to access testing.
3. Speed: Point of care testing can provide results in a matter of minutes, allowing patients to receive a diagnosis and treatment plan more quickly.
4. Cost: Point of care testing can be more cost-effective than traditional laboratory testing, especially for patients without insurance.
5. Privacy: Patients may feel more comfortable getting tested in a private setting such as a pharmacy, rather than a hospital or laboratory.
6. Personalized care: Pharmacists can provide personalized care and counseling based on the results of the test, helping patients to better understand their health and treatment options.
7. Continuity of care: Pharmacies can often provide follow-up care and monitoring for patients, ensuring continuity of care and improved outcomes.
8. Trust: Patients may have an established relationship with their local pharmacist, making them more likely to trust and choose point of care testing from the pharmacy.
9. Familiarity: Patients may feel more comfortable getting tested in a familiar setting such as their local pharmacy, rather than a new or unfamiliar location.
10. Availability: Point of care testing is available during regular pharmacy hours, making it more convenient for patients to get tested without having to take time off work or schedule appointments outside of regular business hours. 

How Do You Get Started?

Starting point-of-care testing (POCT) in a pharmacy requires careful planning and execution. Here are the basic steps you should follow:

1. Determine the type of tests to offer: Before implementing POCT in the pharmacy, you'll need to decide which types of tests to offer. Common POCT options in pharmacies include glucose monitoring, cholesterol testing, and respiratory testing. 
2. Choose a Champion: You’ll need a key person on staff who is ready to offer test, get the word out, and make it a revenue stream for your pharmacy.
3. Develop policies and procedures: You'll need to establish policies and procedures for conducting POCT in the pharmacy. This should include procedures for collecting and handling specimens, conducting tests, and documenting results.
4. Obtain necessary equipment and supplies: You'll need to purchase the necessary equipment and supplies to conduct POCT. This could include test kits, analyzers, lancets, gloves, and other supplies.
5. Train staff: Ensure that your staff is properly trained on how to conduct POCT, including how to use the equipment and how to handle specimens. Staff should also be trained on how to communicate test results to patients and how to document results in the patient's medical record.
6. Establish quality control measures: You'll need to establish quality control measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of POCT results. This should include regular calibration and maintenance of equipment, as well as ongoing monitoring of test results.
7. Obtain necessary certifications and licenses: Depending on the types of tests you plan to offer, you may need to obtain specific certifications or licenses. For example, if you plan to offer flu testing, you may need to obtain a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waiver.
8. Implement patient education and counseling: Patients should be educated on the benefits and limitations of POCT, as well as how to interpret test results. Pharmacists should also be prepared to offer counseling and support to patients based on their test results.
   
   

We are here to help. As leading industry experts in point of care testing, we have solutions to get you testing in no time. From done for you policies and procedures to marketing all the way to implementation, we make testing easy so you can Test, Already!

Tara and Chuck Schneider, Point of Care Testing Institute Co-Founders

We Would Love to Help You Get Started