Pharmacy-based Test and Treat Certificate Training Program

At the completion of this module, participants will be able to:

• Describe the role of pharmacists and opportunities for expanded roles for pharmacists.
• Identify opportunities for pharmacists to use point-of-care testing (POCT) under an established protocol in pharmacy practice.
• Describe research findings regarding pharmacists’ use of POCT to test and treat minor nonchronic conditions such as influenza and Group A Streptococcus.
• Describe the steps for developing a pharmacy-based CLIA-waived laboratory.
• Develop processes to meet the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standards.
• Apply criteria to select point of care devices.
• Develop policies and procedures for a CLIA-waived laboratory.
• Summarize Good Laboratory Practices for preparing the testing site, sample collection, testing, and recording and reporting test results.
• Describe the basic process of specimen collection for point-of-care testing.
• Describe the technique involved for the specimen collection types discussed.

Common Viral and Bacterial Infections (mild acne, burns, vaginal candidiasis, tinea infections, headlice, and bite prophylaxis)

At the completion of this module, participants will be able to:

• Identify patients who should receive treatment according to current recommendations.
• Perform patient assessment, including identification of “red flags” indicating more severe illness and appropriate actions.
• Conduct appropriate point-of-care testing.
• Select safe and effective treatments.
• List contraindications to treatment and exclusion criteria for testing and treating in the pharmacy setting.
• Identify when referral to a physician is necessary.

Skin Conditions, Fungal Infections, and Uncomplicated Viral and Bacterial Infections (allergic rhinitis, cough, urinary tract infection, herpes zoster, and cold sores)

At the completion of this module, participants will be able to:

• Identify patients who should recieve treatment according to current recommendations.
• Perform patient assessment, including identification of “red flags” indicating more severe illness and appropriate actions.
• Conduct appropriate point-of-care testing.
• Select safe and effective treatments.
• List contraindications to treatment and exclusion criteria for testing and treating in the pharmacy setting.
• Identify when referral to a physician is necessary.

At the completion of this module, participants will be able to:

• Explain the purpose of a business plan.
• List the core components of a typical business plan.
• Describe the elements required for an effective patient-focused point-of-care testing and treatment service.
• Discuss considerations and preparations needed prior to performing point-of-care testing.
• Identify issues related to billing insurers for point-of-care testing in a pharmacy.
• Review successful business models for point-of-care testing in the pharmacy, best-practice billing techniques, and patient and provider communication strategies.

At the completion of this module, participants will be able to:

• Describe the following characteristics of ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir:
• Pharmacology
• Mechanism of action
• Dosing
• Potential side effects
• Identify potential drug-drug interactions
• Describe the role of pharmacists in utilizing nirmatrelvir/ritonavir for the treatment of COVID-19

This course contains the following contents:

• Test and Treat Live Session Agendas
• Pharmacy-Based Test and Treat Worksheets
• Test and Treat Student Slides

At the completion of this module, participants will be able to:

• Review considerations, preparations, and successful business models for performing point-of-care testing.
• Identify opportunities for expanding patient-centered services in the community pharmacy setting, using point-of-care testing.
• Discuss the value and limitations of patient-reported symptoms, medical history, and drug allergies.
• Describe and perform physical assessments, when appropriate to patient care, which may include but are not limited to: blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, oxygenation, cervical lymph node inspection, body temperature, and examination of throat and lungs.
• Perform the following specimen collections used in point-of-care testing: Throat swab, Oral Fluid Collection, Nasal Swab, Finger Stick.
• Apply this information to patient-specific cases.

This course contains the following contents:

• Test and Treat Final
• Test and Treat Instructor Evaluation
• Test and Treat Course Evaluation
• APhA Education Evaluation