Exploring community pharmacists’ preparedness for delivering HIV, hepatitis C, and syphilis point-of-care and dried blood spot testing in the APPROACH 2.0 study

INTRODUCTION: Rates of sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) continue to rise in Canada. Expanding access to testing is a key national priority, and pharmacists represent an accessible point of care for STBBI testing services. While pharmacist-led STBBI testing has demonstrated feasibility and acceptability, pharmacists' preparedness to deliver point-of-care (POC) or dried blood spot (DBS) testing has not been well-described. This study explored pharmacists' self-perceived preparedness to offer STBBI testing as part of the APPROACH 2.0 study. METHODS: Pharmacists who conducted at least 1 testing encounter as part of the APPROACH 2.0 study were invited to participate in virtual focus groups. Semi-structured focus group data were analyzed using deductive content analysis guided by a predefined coding framework. The study was reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ). RESULTS: Six focus groups were conducted with 18 pharmacists. Three insights into self-perceived preparedness were identified: practical, psychosocial, and contextual preparedness. Practical preparedness was strengthened through hands-on training, repeated testing encounters, and overlap with existing pharmacy skills, though DBS posed greater challenges than POC testing. Psychosocial preparedness impacted patient recruitment and reactive results delivery, with pharmacists expressing ongoing emotional and communication challenges. Contextual preparedness was influenced by pharmacy workflow, appointment-based scheduling and team engagement. DISCUSSION: Pharmacists largely felt prepared to deliver STBBI testing, particularly when training incorporated simulation, repetition, and practice-based reinforcement. Addressing challenges related to DBS testing, reactive result delivery, and the pharmacy environment may further strengthen preparedness and support broader implementation of pharmacist-led STBBI testing services in Canada. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists' self-perceived preparedness to provide STBBI testing was shaped by practical skills, psychosocial confidence, and contextual factors. Targeted training, ongoing practice and supportive pharmacy environments may enhance preparedness and facilitate the sustainable integration of pharmacist-led STBBI testing services across Canada.