C-reactive protein point-of-care testing (CRP-POCT) is a simple blood test that can be used to determine whether an infection is likely to be caused by bacteria or a virus. This is important because antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections. By using CRP-POCT, pharmacists can provide patients with more informed advice about whether their illness can be treated with medicines for symptomatic relief, or whether they should see a doctor for appropriate diagnosis and possible prescription of antibiotics. This step can help to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and the spread of antibiotic resistance.
The study found that 96.5% of customers who experienced CRP-POCT supported its future introduction at pharmacies. The majority of customers (78.3%) were also willing to pay for the service, with an average willingness-to-pay of US$2.4.
This is an important finding, as Vietnam has one of the highest rates of antibiotic use and resistance in the world. Inappropriate antibiotic use is a major driver of antibiotic resistance, which threatens the effectiveness of antibiotics and puts lives at risk.
Associate Professor Sonia Lewycka, Senior Epidemiologist at OUCRU said, “Despite legislation to restrict over-the-counter antibiotic sales in Vietnam, this practice is still widespread, which worsens antimicrobial resistance in Vietnam. CRP-POCT provides pharmacists with an alternative product to sell instead of antibiotics.”
The study, conducted in Nam Dinh City, involved a mixed-methods approach, including a customer exit survey (n=520), focus group discussions (n=20), and in-depth interviews with pharmacists and other stakeholders (n=12).
Read the full story on the Nuffield Department of Medicine website.