Donald G. Klepser, PhD, presented on point-of-care testing at the 2015 NACDS Regional Chain Conference. Klepser led NACDS’ recent webinar on point-of-of care testing and his brother, Michael, is set to win an award for a clinical paper they collaborated on in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association.
The value of point-of-care testing is at the forefront this week with one of the developers of NACDS’ Point-of-Care Testing Certificate Program, Michael Klepser, set to receive an award at the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Annual Meeting for a clinical research paper he wrote in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association. The article reported on a study that examined the effectiveness of a collaborative physician-community pharmacy program to treat flu-like illness.
In an interview with NACDS, Klepser said, “We really see this as an opportunity for pharmacists to grow their clinical practice for new services for their patients.”
Klepser’s well-deserved recognition coincides with NACDS’ recent webinar for trainers introducing a newly-updated version of its online platform for the Point-of-Care Testing Certificate Program, which certifies pharmacists in administering tests for illnesses as such as flu and strep throat. It features a new interactive, web-based platform, videos and a streamlined live portion with the goal of making it easier and more enjoyable for trainers and participating pharmacists. Trainers who were not able to participate in the webinar will be provided with a link to a recording of it this week.
Klepser underscored the benefits of point-of-care testing and said, “We see this as not only beneficial to patients, but to the profession of pharmacy and to healthcare in general in improving access to care for patients.”
NACDS research also shows there is public support for getting tested for the flu or strep throat in pharmacies when symptoms arise. A national survey conducted in January by Morning Consult, and commissioned by NACDS, found that 81 percent of voters consider it convincing that getting tested for flu or strep throat in a pharmacy can help patients gain quicker access to medications that can help them feel better, and that such testing can help prevent antibiotic overuse. In fact, 45 percent find these arguments very convincing.
Klepser, the son of two community pharmacists, said, “I’ve seen the impact that pharmacists can have on their patients’ lives, and being able to develop the program that will help pharmacists realize that potential was extremely gratifying.”
