Background/introduction:
Provision of sexual health services in community pharmacies is perceived to be a desirable strategy for increasing access to STI testing and care. 


Aim(s)/objectives: To comprehensively review the literature on chlamydia services in community pharmacies in the UK



Methods: Eight electronic databases (Medline, AMED, BNI, CINAHL, EMBASE, HBE, HMC, PsychInfo) were searched by two researchers independently, until 4.3.16. Search terms were: (1) chlamydia, AND (2) pharmac*. Studies with qualitative or quantitative evidence on community pharmacy-based chlamydia care including screening, testing, treatment, partner notification and training were included. 


Results:
8 studies, published 2007-2015, met inclusion criteria. They were disparate in terms of subjects: (4 focused on pharmacy staff, 2 on clients), methodology: (2 surveys, 1 qualitative, 1 mixed methods, 1 RCT, 2 cross-sectional and 1 cost-consequence study). Focus varied: treatment 7, screening/testing 5, partner notification 4, training 1, studies respectively. Main findings: pharmacists appear willing to offer chlamydia services if appropriately trained and supported. Barriers to offering opportunistic screening were highlighted.  Two studies reported acceptability of screening/treatment but uptake by men in one study was very low (6%). The largest study (1131 people tested positive through pharmacy) reported 47% treated in pharmacy.   Preliminary feasibility and acceptability of accelerated partner therapy and expedited partner therapy were shown (2 studies). 

Discussion/conclusion:
Despite considerable policy appetite and pharmacist support for pharmacy-delivered chlamydia care, very little robust evaluation of any element of chlamydia testing and/or management has occurred. Well implemented studies of clinical efficacy, assessing quality of care and cost-effectiveness are warranted.

Community pharmacy-delivered chlamydia testing and management in the UK - a comprehensive review