Randomized trial assessing the effectiveness of a pharmacist-delivered program for smoking cessation
Larry A Dent1, Kari Jo Harris, Curtis W Noonan
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, Skaggs School of Pharmacy, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA. larry.dent@umontana.edu
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|February 6, 2009
Summary
Pharmacists effectively deliver smoking cessation programs. A face-to-face group intervention significantly increased biochemically confirmed abstinence rates compared to standard telephone care.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pharmacology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Pharmacists are accessible healthcare professionals well-positioned for tobacco cessation interventions.
- This study represents the first US randomized controlled trial of a pharmacist-delivered smoking cessation program with biochemical confirmation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of a pharmacist-led, face-to-face group smoking cessation program against standard telephone-delivered care.
- To assess smoking cessation rates using biochemical confirmation.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 101 smokers at a Veterans Health Administration clinic.
- Participants received either a 3-session face-to-face group program or a brief telephone counseling session.
- Nicotine replacement therapy or bupropion was provided to all participants. Abstinence was biochemically confirmed via urinary cotinine at 6 months.
Main Results:
- The face-to-face group program resulted in a 28% biochemically confirmed abstinence rate at 6 months.
- The standard care telephone group achieved an 11.8% abstinence rate (p < 0.041).
Conclusions:
- Pharmacists are effective providers of tobacco cessation interventions.
- Increased pharmacist involvement in smoking cessation can significantly reduce smoking rates and improve public health.