Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2026

Creating Dynamic Images of Short-lived Dopamine Fluctuations with lp-ntPET: Dopamine Movies of Cigarette Smoking
Published on: August 6, 2013
Do pharmacy staff recommend evidenced-based smoking cessation products? A pseudo patron study
1School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Pharmacy staff often recommend evidence-based smoking cessation aids like nicotine replacement therapy. However, some also promote unproven products, potentially influenced by commercial interests.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacy Practice
- Public Health
- Smoking Cessation Research
Background:
- Pharmacy staff play a crucial role in advising patients on smoking cessation.
- The effectiveness of various smoking cessation aids varies significantly based on scientific evidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the extent to which pharmacy personnel in Sydney recommend evidence-based smoking cessation aids.
- To assess the influence of non-evidence-based products on pharmacy recommendations.
Main Methods:
- A simulated patron methodology was employed, visiting 50 randomly selected pharmacies in Sydney.
- Inquiries focused on the optimal methods for quitting smoking and the efficacy of NicoBloc, a non-evidence-based cessation product.
Main Results:
- Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) was consistently available and recommended by 90% of pharmacies as a primary cessation aid.
- Upon further inquiry, 60% of pharmacies recommended NicoBloc or cited 'customer choice,' while 34% actively disparaged the product.
Conclusions:
- The provision of evidence-based smoking cessation advice in Sydney pharmacies appears vulnerable and potentially undermined by commercial considerations.
- There is a need for independent point-of-sale information for smokers regarding cessation product effectiveness and warnings against unsubstantiated claims.
More Related Videos
06:39Electroencephalographic, Heart Rate, and Galvanic Skin Response Assessment for an Advertising Perception Study: Application to Antismoking Public Service Announcements
Published on: August 28, 2017
09:15Studying Effects of Cigarette Smoke on Pseudomonas Infection in Lung Epithelial Cells
Published on: May 11, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Drug Dependence
Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants
Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating sympathetic or...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Smoking Cessation
Stimulants
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care