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An innovative new study (SWAB-Rx) aims to provide a comprehensive suite of sexual health services, including gonorrhoea and chlamydia testing and treatment, directly in pharmacy settings. Dr. Kyle Wilby, Director of the College of Pharmacy at Dalhousie University, is the co-principal investigator of the study.

The study, a follow-up to the prep RX study, seeks to reduce wait times and improve patient care by providing a one-stop-shop for testing and treatment. The study, which includes collaboration with pharmacists and other health-care professionals, could result in wider implementation across Nova Scotia.

The study is offering STI testing in select pharmacies for the next six months and aims to recruit up to 100 patients with the testing available until they reach this number. It aims to offer a one-stop-shop for testing, treatment, and prescription management, reducing the need to visit multiple health-care professionals.

“When most people need sexual health services, it’s everything — it’s testing and treatment or prophylaxis for many different infections. So, we saw a gap in services that pharmacists can provide expansion of these services to meet the needs of the community”

Collaboration is key

Currently in Nova Scotia wait times make it difficult to get into STI clinics and sexual health care centres. The study aims to enhance collaboration between pharmacists and other health-care providers and offer another access point for patients thus reducing the burden on sexual health services in the province.

Collaboration is key to this research. Other goals include increasing linkage to care, connecting patients to appropriate care providers and possibly identifying other health concerns.

“What we found in our previous work in the Prep-Rx study is that a patient may go in to see a pharmacist for a particular condition, then realize they need updated vaccines, or something from a mental health perspective. That linkage to care is critical, where you can either have a pharmacist manage that for you or refer you to another healthcare professional if needed. So, it’s not just always about one service that we’re providing, but linking people to care providers and help the navigate any aspects of care that they need,” Dr. Wilby says.

The research team will provide the study findings to decision-makers, including government and regulatory bodies, to determine the continuation of services. They will also be shared with the public to improve future services.

The study also includes managing any positive cases within the pharmacy setting.

As the co-principal investigator of the study, Dr. Wilby’s role will be managing the project, working with the clinical team, and developing promotional materials. His focus is on research outcomes, data collection, and translating research findings into useful information for governments and partners.

Find out more information about participating sites and eligibility criteria.