Pharmacist-provided rapid HIV testing in two community pharmacies

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of pharmacist-provided rapid testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in community pharmacies.

Practice description: A pharmacist-provided HIV testing model-including rapid HIV testing, counseling, and linkage to confirmatory HIV testing services-was developed and implemented.

Setting: Two independent pharmacies located in Michigan cities of different size and with different prevalence of HIV infection.

Main outcome measures: Number of HIV tests performed, time required for HIV testing services, description of participants who received an HIV test, and pharmacist and participant perception of the HIV testing experience.

Results: From October 2011 to March 2013, pharmacists provided HIV tests to 69 participants. One (1.5%) participant had a reactive HIV test and was immediately referred to an appropriate health care provider for confirmatory testing. HIV testing services required a median time of 30 (range, 20-90) minutes. Participants had a median age of 23 (range, 18-61) years and were diverse by gender (59.4% women) and race (46.4% black; 39.1% white). This was the first HIV test for 42% of participants, many of whom reported high-risk behaviors in the prior 6 months. Participants and pharmacists reported favorable perceptions of the HIV testing experience.

Conclusions: This project demonstrates the acceptability and feasibility of pharmacist-provided rapid HIV testing in two community pharmacies with distinct characteristics. Further development of HIV testing services in this practice setting is warranted.