While the introduction of diagnostic self-tests in the pharmacy is considered a way to empower patients and help them to take informed decisions about
their health, it also represents a challenge for the healthcare relationship: at first instance, the relationship between the patient and the healthcare
professionals (HCP), and at second instance that between pharmacists and general practitioners (GP). Our research aims to explore how this new controversial
element of the healthcare system influences this relationship, and to identify the factors that may encourage or impede a partnership relationship between
healthcare providers and patients. A mixed-method design will be used to analyze the perceptions and practices of patients and healthcare professionals
(pharmacists and general practitioners) with regard to diagnostic self-tests and the way they influence the healthcare relationships. This will inform the
co-creation, pilot testing and evaluation of a tool to facilitate a partnership approach for the guidance process that extends from obtaining acquisition about
the diagnostic self-test to the follow-up of a diagnosed chronic disease.