A survey of smoking cessation training within UK pharmacy education

Tobacco smoking is a significant public health problem, and remains the leading cause of preventable, premature death in the United Kingdom (UK). In order to reduce the burden of smoking in the UK, all healthcare professionals should be able to advise smokers how to quit and assist them to do so. The aim was to identify the extent of smoking cessation teaching and examination in UK pharmacy schools.

A short survey of smoking cessation was sent to each Programme Director for all UK pharmacy schools (n = 29).

The survey achieved a response rate of 72%. All schools dedicated time teaching smoking cessation interventions, with 76% spending more than three hours, and 90% examining students on some aspect of smoking cessation. All schools taught about nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and the role of behavioural support. At least 90% of schools taught about the role of the stop smoking services and opportunistic brief interventions, e.g., very brief advice (VBA). Only 14% covered practical delivery in clinical settings.

UK pharmacy schools are teaching and examining students on a wide range of smoking cessation interventions, including VBA. However, there was a lack of training reported on the management of mental health patients who smoke, and practical skills training. All schools should do more to ensure they are providing practical skills training to enable students to be adequately prepared for delivering smoking cessation support to all smokers, including vulnerable populations.