Dispensing HIV SelfTests in Pharmacies in France the
- Slides: 5
Dispensing HIV Self-Tests in Pharmacies in France: the Pharmacists’ Point of View Tim Greacen, Antoine Simon, Aurélien Troisoeufs, Karen Champenois EPS Maison Blanche, Paris, France Poster number THPDC 0101 #AIDS 2018 | @AIDS_conference | www. aids 2018. org
Objective & Methods • In France, the first legally approved HIV self-test (HIVST) came onto the market in September 2015 • Objective of the present study – Describe pharmacists’ experiences and point of view with regard to HIVST dispensation in local pharmacies • Method : qualitative interviews – From January 2016 to January 2017 – With 28 pharmacists in 23 local street pharmacies in four regions in France • Guadeloupe / French Guyana (7 pharmacists) • Paris suburbs with large migrant communities from Sub-Saharan Africa (5) • the Marais, a gay neighbourhood in central Paris (5) • The city of Lille and its surrounding area in the northern French provinces (6) – Thematic analysis #AIDS 2018 | @AIDS_conference | www. aids 2018. org
Main results • Key populations are interested in accessing HIVST in pharmacies, but significant obstacles remain – Confidentiality – High price of HIVST – Has the client understood the window period? “Some people self-tests like emergency tools, like morning-after pills. ” (Paris Suburbs) • Pharmacists – Enthusiastic about playing a real public health role in HIV prevention – Make specific efforts • Training about HIV, HIV testing and HIV support • Keeping the price of the HIVST as low as possible, up to sell it at cost price #AIDS 2018 | @AIDS_conference | www. aids 2018. org
Main results & conclusion • Major problems described by pharmacists – Economic issues: irregular sales, expired HIVST, financial loss – The layout of pharmacies limits confidentiality – Many HIVST clients want maximum discretion “What’s difficult is the client who wants it to be over as quickly as possible and with maximum discretion: “yes, I know that, yes, OK, I know…”, where in reality, he knows nothing at all. ” (Marais) • Pharmacists can play a significant role with regard to HIV self-testing – Their proximity and long pharmacy opening hours make them easily accessible than existing screening centers • Further public campaigns and communication to – Promote HIV self-testing – Support pharmacists in playing a potentially significant role in HIV prevention and screening #AIDS 2018 | @AIDS_conference | www. aids 2018. org
Acknowledgements HIV: Do the Test Yourself • Our sincerest thanks to all the pharmacists and pharmacy personnel who accepted to participate in the present study. • For funding support: – The French National Agency for Research on AIDS and viral hepatitis: ANRS – The French national Public Health Agency: Santé publique France #AIDS 2018 | @AIDS_conference | www. aids 2018. org
