[Use of self-tests and Rapid Diagnostic Tests: survey of dispensing pharmacists in the Auvergne Rhône Alpes region].

Boulliat, Caroline; Bilong, Catherine Véronique; Dussart, Claude; Massoubre, Bernard

OBJECTIVES RDT and self-tests are sold in pharmacies. These are medical biology procedures that are currently reserved for biologists. Nevertheless, their use is now being reinforced by the Covid-19 pandemic. What role should the dispensing pharmacist have in relation to the patient? What role can the biologist have in this system? METHODS A survey was carried out in pharmacies in the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region, as well as in Cameroon during the summer of 2020, to evaluate the use of RDT and self-tests. The answers obtained to the 10 questions were discussed after a simple statistical analysis. RESULTS 283 pharmacies and 13 Cameroonian pharmacies participated in our survey. Pharmacists want to develop the use of RDT and self-test, but agree that training is necessary. Some tests are dispensed despite their unproven clinical usefulness. CONCLUSIONS The delivery of TRODs and self-tests is acquired in pharmacies despite the reluctance of biologists. Pharmacists should be trained by biologists to use these tests in a relevant and appropriate manner.