Background/introduction Provision of sexual health services in community pharmacies is perceived to be a desirable strategy for increasing access to STI testing and care.

Aim(s)/objectives To comprehensively review the literature on chlamydia services in community pharmacies in the UK

Methods Eight electronic databases (Medline, AMED, BNI, CINAHL, EMBASE, HBE, HMC, PsychInfo) were searched by two researchers independently, until 4.3.16. Search terms were: (1) chlamydia, AND (2) pharmac*. Studies with qualitative or quantitative evidence on community pharmacy-based chlamydia care including screening, testing, treatment, partner notification and training were included.

Results 8 studies, published 2007–2015, met inclusion criteria. They were disparate in terms of subjects: (4 focused on pharmacy staff, 2 on clients), methodology: (2 surveys, 1 qualitative, 1 mixed methods, 1 RCT, 2 cross-sectional and 1 cost-consequence study). Focus varied: treatment 7, screening/testing 5, partner notification 4, training 1, studies respectively. Main findings: pharmacists appear willing to offer chlamydia services if appropriately trained and supported. Barriers to offering opportunistic screening were highlighted. Two studies reported acceptability of screening/treatment but uptake by men in one study was very low (6%). The largest study (1131 people tested positive through pharmacy) reported 47% treated in pharmacy. Preliminary feasibility and acceptability of accelerated partner therapy and expedited partner therapy were shown (2 studies).

Discussion/conclusion Despite considerable policy appetite and pharmacist support for pharmacy-delivered chlamydia care, very little robust evaluation of any element of chlamydia testing and/or management has occurred. Well implemented studies of clinical efficacy, assessing quality of care and cost-effectiveness are warranted.