Implementation of Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) in community pharmacies in Enugu State, Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

Authors

  • Juliet Obianuju Dingwoke Department of Pharmacy, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
  • Ifeoma Joy Onuzulike Department of Pharmacy, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
  • Kenneth Chukwuebuka Egwu Department of Pharmacy, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
  • Precious Chioma Duru Department of Pharmacy, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
  • Chizubelu Callistus Ezeanolue Department of Pharmacy, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
  • Favour Ezinne Onyekwere Department of Pharmacy, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
  • Peace Ifeyinwa Agu Department of Pharmacy, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
  • Geraldine Chidiogo Nweke Department of Pharmacy, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria.
  • Emmanuel Chinonso Onyia Department of Pharmacy, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria
  • Oluchukwu Ogechi Ajibo Department of Pharmacy, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria
  • Oluchi Mary-Precious Muoghara Department of Pharmacy, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria
  • Simeon Chinedu Onoduagu Department of Pharmacy, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria
  • Malachy Chinonso Ngwu Department of Pharmacy, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria
  • Maureen Ngozi Nwafor Department of Pharmacy, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria
  • Ezekiel Chidera Eze Department of Pharmacy, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2025.251.422433

Keywords:

Community pharmacy, Diagnostic test, Healthcare delivery, LMIC, Pharmaceutical service, Point-of-care testing

Abstract

Background: Pharmacists, especially those in community settings, are well-positioned to offer Point-of-Care Testing (POCT). The information obtained can help pharmacists in disease and medication therapy management. However, POCT implementation in Nigeria remains limited.    

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of POCT services by community pharmacies in Enugu State.   

Methods: A randomised cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered, pretested questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20 with descriptive and inferential statistics at a p-value < 0.05.    

Results: A response rate of 92% was achieved. The mean weighted average (MWA) indicated that the practice score was high for blood pressure (MWA 3.68) and blood glucose (MWA 3.09) screenings, while it was low for body mass index (MWA 1.47), HIV (MWA 1.21), and malaria (MWA 1.62) tests. The availability of POCT devices, test kits, and physical space requirements (MWA 3.45), as well as knowledge and skills in performing POCT (MWA 3.34), were the primary factors influencing POCT management. Demographic variables were not significantly associated with the practice of POCT (p-value > 0.05).    

Conclusion: The study revealed a poor level of POCT practice in community pharmacies, highlighting the need for improvement and expansion of services to support efficient pharmaceutical care delivery.

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Published

04-08-2025

How to Cite

Dingwoke, J. O., Onuzulike, I. J., Egwu, K. C., Duru, P. C., Ezeanolue, C. C., Onyekwere, F. E., Agu, P. I., Nweke, G. C., Onyia, E. C., Ajibo, O. O., Muoghara, O. M.-P., Onoduagu, S. C., Ngwu, M. C., Nwafor, M. N., & Eze, E. C. (2025). Implementation of Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) in community pharmacies in Enugu State, Nigeria: A cross-sectional study. Pharmacy Education, 25(1), p. 422–433. https://doi.org/10.46542/pe.2025.251.422433

Issue

Vol. 25 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Research Article

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