Any doubts about cystitis or angina? Since June 2024, pharmacists have been authorized to screen for this type of infection and prescribe appropriate antibiotics, without a doctor’s prescription. In Indre, pharmacy professionals are gradually training in these new missions. “Training is underway. All pharmacies in Indre do not yet have staff capable of providing this care. But within one to two months, this should be the case,” hopes Olivier Tissier, co-president of the Union of Pharmacists of Indre.
In his pharmacy in Buzançais, all the pharmacists are already trained. Olivier Tissier welcomes this increase in skills in his profession. “Due to medical desertification, we are more and more often confronted with this type of request. It’s a good thing to be able to offer a quick solution to patients. »
Screening is quick and painless. For angina, the pharmacist uses Rapid Diagnostic Orientation Tests (Trod) which make it possible to distinguish the viral (80% of cases) or bacterial origin of the infection. “These tests are reserved for patients over 10 years old. The back of the throat is scraped with a swab to take a sample. If the result is positive, we now have the possibility of prescribing an antibiotic according to a very precise protocol. »
“Not everyone is eligible for testing”
For cystitis, screening is reserved for women aged 16 to 65, who have not already had a urinary infection during the month. It is made from a urine sample and test strips. “We are looking for the presence of the bacteria Escherichia coli, responsible for more than 80% of cystitis”, explains Hadrien Vuillet-À-Ciles, of the Cazala pharmacy in Châteauroux. Trained since July in screening for cystitis, he has already been contacted by a few patients. “The requests are not yet very numerous because the system is recent. But for the people who have already benefited from it, it was a real relief. Especially for this type of infection, rapid treatment is always preferable to prevent complications. But with the shortage of doctors, it’s not always easy. »
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Simple and practical, the screening tests nevertheless meet very strict rules. “It’s a big responsibility. Only qualified pharmacists, who have undergone specific training, can do this,” warns Olivier Tissier. Not all patients can benefit from it. “Treatment begins with an interview to assess whether we are able to manage the problem or whether we should refer the person to a doctor. Not everyone is eligible for these tests depending on age, health criteria, and symptoms described. Screening is therefore not automatic. »
For the pharmacist, screening is paid from €10 to €15 depending on the results of the test (prescription of antibiotics or not). For the patient, the procedure is entirely covered by Social Security and mutual insurance companies.
