This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Pharmacies to offer sore throat test to determine need for antibiotics
Pharmacies in England are set to offer a walk-in programme called the Sore Throat Test and Treat service, aimed at reducing doctor appointments and the over-use of antibiotics.Pharmacies in England are set to offer a walk-in programme called the Sore Throat Test and Treat service, aimed at reducing doctor appointments and the over-use of antibiotics.
The scheme has already been trialled in 35 Boots pharmacies, and will determine if an illness is caused by a virus or a bacterial infection, indicating whether antibiotics are necessary. The test involves a throat swab and yields a result in around five minutes.
Claire Ward, chairwoman of Pharmacy Voice, which represents the trade, welcomed the roll-out and said it was the ‘kind of thing community pharmacies should be undertaking’, but warned that cuts to services could prove detrimental to the effectiveness of the programme.
Sir Bruce Keogh, NHS England's national medical director, said ‘innovation is not an option but a necessity if we are to build a sustainable NHS.’
He added: ”The innovations selected for this programme have the potential to deliver better value for the taxpayer whilst making patient interactions with the NHS safer and more personal.”
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