» Articles » PMID: 38668085

Closing the Tobacco Treatment Gap: A Qualitative Study of Tobacco Cessation Service Implementation in Community Pharmacies

Overview
Date 2024 Apr 26
PMID 38668085
Authors
Affiliations
Soon will be listed here.
Abstract

Tobacco use remains a leading preventable cause of morbidity and mortality, with pharmacotherapy and counseling recognized as effective cessation aids. Yet, the potential role of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in tobacco cessation services is underutilized. This study explores the integration of such services in community pharmacies, identifying facilitators and barriers to their implementation. A qualitative study was conducted across seven community pharmacies in California that were affiliated with the Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network. Participants included 22 pharmacists and 26 pharmacy technicians/clerks who completed tobacco cessation training. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focusing on experiences with implementing cessation services. The analysis was guided by Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations Theory. MAXQDA software was used for data management and thematic analysis. Sixteen pharmacy personnel participated in the study, highlighting key themes around the integration of cessation services. Compatibility with existing workflows, the importance of staff buy-in, and the crucial role of pharmacy technicians emerged as significant facilitators. Challenges included the complexity of billing for services, software limitations for documenting tobacco use and cessation interventions, and gaps in training for handling complex patient cases. Despite these barriers, pharmacies successfully initiated cessation services, with variations in service delivery and follow-up practices. Community pharmacies represent viable settings for delivering tobacco cessation services, with pharmacists and technicians playing pivotal roles. However, systemic changes are needed to address challenges related to billing, documentation, and training. Enhancing the integration of cessation services in community pharmacies could significantly impact public health by increasing access to effective cessation support.

Citing Articles

Closing Tobacco Treatment Gaps for Rural Populations: The Role of Clinic-Based Pharmacists at a Federally Qualified Health Center.

Salama L, Hudmon K, Myran L, Elkhadragy N Pharmacy (Basel). 2025; 13(1).

PMID: 39998008 PMC: 11858977. DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy13010010.

References
1.
Reyes L, Hong J, Lin C, Hamper J, Kroon L . Community Pharmacists' Motivation and Barriers to Providing and Billing Patient Care Services. Pharmacy (Basel). 2020; 8(3). PMC: 7559800. DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy8030145. View

2.
Hudmon K, Hoch M, Vitale F, Wahl K, Corelli R, de Moor C . Tobacco cessation education for pharmacists: Face-to-face presentations versus live webinars. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003). 2014; 54(1):42-4. PMC: 9191764. DOI: 10.1331/JAPhA.2014.13001. View

3.
Mdege N, Chindove S . Effectiveness of tobacco use cessation interventions delivered by pharmacy personnel: a systematic review. Res Social Adm Pharm. 2013; 10(1):21-44. DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2013.04.015. View

4.
Saba M, Diep J, Saini B, Dhippayom T . Meta-analysis of the effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions in community pharmacy. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2014; 39(3):240-7. DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.12131. View

5.
Berenbrok L, Tang S, Gabriel N, Guo J, Sharareh N, Patel N . Access to community pharmacies: A nationwide geographic information systems cross-sectional analysis. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003). 2022; 62(6):1816-1822.e2. DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2022.07.003. View