Following a successful pilot scheme in London and Sheffield, Boots is rolling out its Cystitis Test and Treat Service to almost 300 stores across the UK. The innovative private service includes a urine self-testing kit and an app, which turns a smartphone camera into a clinical grade analyser (compatible smartphone required), to help customers quickly test for a possible urinary tract infection (UTI) from the comfort of their own homes.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common types of bacterial infection, affecting up to 50% of women in their lifetime[1].
The Boots Cystitis Test and Treat Service helps to ensure customers receive the right type of treatment for their symptoms. By offering access to a quick, easy service, the Boots Cystitis Test and Treat Service will also help to reduce pressure on GPs. The combination of convenient testing and a discussion with a Boots pharmacist will help ensure that antibiotics are only supplied when appropriate which, in turn, will help to combat the rise of antibiotic resistance.
Asif Aziz, Director of Pharmacy Services and Operations Boots UK, comments: “The NHS Long Term Plan highlights the growing need to use new diagnostics, and the introduction of this service shows the enhanced role that community pharmacies can play in supporting services offered by the NHS and GPs. It also highlights the excellent clinical skills our pharmacists can offer, to support patients’ health in locations and at times that are convenient to them. The service can also help to support appropriate use of antibiotics.”
New customer insights from Boots UK has found 63%[2] of women in the UK who have had a UTI visited their GP with their symptoms[3]. 39% of respondents admit to worrying they were wasting their GP’s time with an appointment for a UTI [4], however, over a third said they had gone to A&E or a walk-in clinic with their symptoms.[5]
For a full list of stores, visit: https://www.boots.com/health-pharmacy-advice/womens-health-service/cystitis-test-and-treat-service
[1] https://cks.nice.org.uk/urinary-tract-infection-lower-women#!backgroundSub:2
[2] Boots Ominibus Survey of 1,500 women in the UK, carried out by Censuswide, July 2019. Question referenced: Q6: Who would you talk to about symptoms of a UTI?
[3] Boots Ominibus Survey of 1,500 women in the UK, carried out by Censuswide, July 2019. Question referenced: Q6: Who would you talk to about symptoms of a UTI?
[4] Boots Ominibus Survey of 1,500 women in the UK, carried out by Censuswide, July 2019. Q4: To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement; I am very conscious of wasting my GPs time with an appointment for a UTI.
[5] Boots Ominibus Survey of 1,500 women in the UK, carried out by Censuswide, July 2019. Q3: If you’ve had a UTI in the past, have you ever had to go to A&E / a Walk In because you’ve struggled to get a GP appointment?
[6] Trial began 10th December 2018.
[7] From Healthy.io data on the app.