Pharmacies Step Up: Sore Throat Tests Save Time and Money

In England, pharmacists are taking on a bigger role in healthcare. They are now using quick tests to check for Strep A in people with sore throats. This is a big deal because many people go to their doctors for sore throats and often get antibiotics they don't need. Strep A is a common bacterial cause of sore throats. But most sore throats are actually caused by viruses, which don't need antibiotics. The quick tests in pharmacies can help figure out if someone really needs antibiotics or if they can just take care of themselves at home.This shift is good for everyone. It saves time for doctors and patients. It also saves money because fewer unnecessary antibiotics are prescribed. Plus, it helps stop the spread of antibiotic resistance, which is a big problem in healthcare. But there are some challenges. Not all pharmacies have these quick tests. And some people might not trust a pharmacist as much as a doctor. Still, the benefits seem to outweigh the drawbacks. The idea is to make healthcare more efficient. By giving pharmacists more tools and responsibilities, they can handle simpler cases. This frees up doctors to deal with more serious health issues.