Emerging healthcare models are increasingly leveraging community pharmacies to deliver care for infectious diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These initiatives aim to improve access, especially in underserved areas, by utilizing pharmacists' clinical skills.
For example, long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapies for HIV are being administered in some pharmacy settings, reducing the burden on clinics. Additionally, point-of-care testing for hepatitis C in pharmacies has shown promise in identifying undiagnosed cases and linking patients to treatment.
Pharmacists are also providing STI screening and treatment, including for chlamydia and gonorrhea, under collaborative practice agreements in several states. These programs have been associated with increased testing rates and patient satisfaction.
However, challenges remain, including reimbursement models, training requirements, and integration with existing healthcare systems. Ongoing research and pilot programs are evaluating the effectiveness and scalability of these pharmacy-based care models.
