Pharmacy Strep Testing Cuts Antibiotics, But Case-Mix Clouds the Evidence
This systematic review gives ambulatory care pharmacists the first synthesis of what pharmacy-led sore throat test-and-treat services mean for general practice workload, antibiotic supply, and safety, while showing how weak the comparative evidence remains.
📅 Journal publication: Oct 2026·Last updated: Oct 27, 2026
sore throatpharyngitisgroup A streptococcusrapid antigen detection testcommunity pharmacytest and treatantimicrobial stewardshipantibioticsgeneral practicesystematic reviewambulatory caretask redistributionAmbulatory Care / MTM
Can pharmacists ease general practitioners' workload with sore throat testing?
Understanding pharmacist-led sore throat testing's impact can optimize resource use in primary care by reducing general practitioner workload. Pharmacist-led services provided antibiotics less often than general practitioners (21% vs. 39%), with most cases managed without referral. Pharmacy services might reduce antibiotic use and relieve primary care, but evidence is limited by heterogeneity and low certainty. Pharmacists managing sore throats may reduce antibiotics and general practitioner visits.
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Authors:Fischer M, Squalli L, Zabar C, François M
Citation:Fischer M, Squalli L, Zabar C, et al. What Happens to the General Practitioner When the Pharmacist Tests for Strep Throat? A Systematic Review of Community Pharmacy Sore Throat Services and Their Consequences for General Practice. Journal of evaluation in clinical practice. 2026;32(7). doi:10.1111/jep.70675