OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of pharmacist-provided rapid testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in community pharmacies.

PRACTICE DESCRIPTION

A pharmacist-provided HIV testing model-including rapid HIV testing, counseling, and linkage to confirmatory HIV testing services-was developed and implemented.

SETTING

Two independent pharmacies located in Michigan cities of different size and with different prevalence of HIV infection.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Number of HIV tests performed, time required for HIV testing services, description of participants who received an HIV test, and pharmacist and participant perception of the HIV testing experience.

RESULTS

From October 2011 to March 2013, pharmacists provided HIV tests to 69 participants. One (1.5%) participant had a reactive HIV test and was immediately referred to an appropriate health care provider for confirmatory testing. HIV testing services required a median time of 30 (range, 20-90) minutes. Participants had a median age of 23 (range, 18-61) years and were diverse by gender (59.4% women) and race (46.4% black; 39.1% white). This was the first HIV test for 42% of participants, many of whom reported high-risk behaviors in the prior 6 months. Participants and pharmacists reported favorable perceptions of the HIV testing experience.

CONCLUSIONS

This project demonstrates the acceptability and feasibility of pharmacist-provided rapid HIV testing in two community pharmacies with distinct characteristics. Further development of HIV testing services in this practice setting is warranted.