Patient Satisfaction with Pharmacist-Led COVID-19 Testing in Community Pharmacies: Insights from the Croatian Experience.

Pharmacists are among the most accessible healthcare professionals, playing a crucial role in public health. In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many countries, including Croatia, have expanded the responsibilities of pharmacists. Since November 2021, Croatian pharmacists have been authorized to provide COVID-19 testing in community pharmacies. This study explores patients' perceptions of these pharmacy-based testing services. This study employed a quantitative research approach, utilizing a structured questionnaire as the primary data collection tool. The research was conducted between November 2021 and January 2022, with a total of 211 participants from diverse backgrounds. The findings demonstrate a highly positive perception of COVID-19 testing services in community pharmacies. A significant majority (95.2%) of patients found pharmacist-administered testing to be convenient. Additionally, 92.3% believed that pharmacists possess the necessary skills to perform the tests, and 94.7% expressed willingness to undergo testing in a pharmacy again. Notably, 94% of respondents indicated their intention to utilize pharmacists' services for future testing. Croatian patients exhibit a strong positive attitude towards pharmacist-led COVID-19 testing in community pharmacies. These findings highlight the pivotal role of pharmacists in enhancing healthcare accessibility and demonstrate the value of integrating pharmacy-based testing services into public health strategies. This study provides valuable insights into the evolving role of pharmacists in healthcare delivery.