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We Can Do More Than Just Sell the Test: Pharmacist Perspectives About Over-the-Counter Rapid HIV Tests

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Abstract

Pharmacist attitudes about the over-the-counter (OTC) sale of HIV rapid tests in pharmacies were explored through interviews conducted among 17 licensed community pharmacists in a Midwestern, moderate HIV incidence state between May and September 2012. Participants recognized that OTC rapid HIV tests would increase the number of people aware of their HIV status. Concerns included linkage to care and results consultation for those who test HIV-positive. Point of sale was identified as an opportunity for consultation about the test and to establish a relationship for future discussion about results and linkage to care. Pharmacists could provide initial test consultation or information, and consultation about the test results in order to provide post diagnosis support and facilitate linkage to care.

Resumen

Las actitudes de los farmacéuticos sobre el over-the-counter (OTC) venta de las pruebas rápidas del VIH en farmacias se exploró a través de entrevistas entre los 17 farmacéuticos comunitarios con licencia en un estado del Midwestern en Estados Unidos, moderado incidencia del VIH entre Mayo y Septiembre de 2012. Los participantes reconocieron que OTC pruebas rápidas de VIH aumentaría el número de personas que conocen su estado serológico. Las preocupaciones incluyen la vinculación con cuidado y consulta los resultados para los que el resultado es VIH-positivo. Point of sale de venta fue identificado como una oportunidad de consulta sobre la prueba y establecer una relación para un discussion futuro sobre los resultados y la vinculación a la atención. Los farmacéuticos podría ofrecer consulta inicial de prueba o información y consulta sobre los resultados de la prueba con el fin de ofrecer apoyo después de diagnóstico y facilitar la vinculación a la atención.

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Acknowledgments

This project was supported by a Project Development Team within the ICTSI NIH/NCRR Grant Number TR000006.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington and the Rural Center for AIDS/STD Prevention Bloomington, 1025 E. 7th Street, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA

    Beth E. Meyerson & Christiana von Hippel

  2. College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN, USA

    Priscilla T. Ryder & Kelsey Coy

Authors
  1. Beth E. Meyerson
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  2. Priscilla T. Ryder
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  3. Christiana von Hippel
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  4. Kelsey Coy
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Correspondence to Beth E. Meyerson.

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Meyerson, B.E., Ryder, P.T., von Hippel, C. et al. We Can Do More Than Just Sell the Test: Pharmacist Perspectives About Over-the-Counter Rapid HIV Tests. AIDS Behav 17, 2109–2113 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-013-0427-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-013-0427-y

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