I was honored to be able to interview an amazing pharmacist Dr. Ally Dering-Anderson.  She’s a Clinical Assistant Professor at  the University of Nebraska College of Pharmacy.   She is involved in teaching and coordinating a number of classes focused on clinical services in community pharmacies include a Point of Care Testing course.

You can let her know you enjoyed her interview by Tweeting her @DrAllyRP!

Key takeaways from our discussion:

• Research team studying the market, ROI and patient interest in rapid diagnostic testing for influenza and group A strep
• Now research team is studying feasibility of point of care screening tests in Community Pharmacy: Hep C, HIV
  • follow up process with Public Health system when positive test results
• Concept of using Community Pharmacy as a triage point to access the rest of the healthcare system
• New opportunities designed for the independent community pharmacists: Tb screenings, follow ups with patients after screening/testing
• Pharmacists DECREASE inappropriate prescribing (saying “no” after a negative test)
• Pharmacists role in early identification and prevention of transmission of virus
• The first steps to building trust and rapport with primary care providers to facilitate collaboration
• Utilize your existing relationships to leverage future collaboration
• The two types of providers that are more open to collaborative practice agreements
• Identify the unique needs of your local community

I hope this excellent interview gave you some ideas for a point of care test you could offer in your practice.